Troubleshooting Electric Trailer Brake Seizing Up After Backing Up
Published 02/22/2019
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I have a pop up camper, that I put new brake assemblies on last season. The brakes worked great all season, but on the last trip home, one wheel overheated. I had to disassemble the brake on that wheel to free it up. It ran fine the last several miles, until I started backing up again. The same wheel brakes lock up everytime I back up, but only locks when going forward again.
asked by: Allen B
Expert Reply:
This is an odd situation because it is difficult to determine if the issue is electrical or mechanical in nature. I recommend starting by checking the wire to your electric brakes using a circuit tester like # PTW2993. If you are getting constant power to that brake magnet, then I recommend thoroughly cleaning your connection between your vehicle and the trailer plug using sand paper or steel wool because another function may be sending power due to corrosion or debris. Then reconnect the trailer to the vehicle and test that brake wire by the magnet again if the problem is resolved, then put some dielectric grease # 11755 between the connections on your vehicle and trailer plug to keep moisture and debris out of your connection.
If it is not solved, then I recommend testing the functions of each pin on your vehicle side connector when the trailer is not connected using the circuit tester. If that checks out, then you know there is a trailer issue. If not, you will need to figure out the trailer wiring on the vehicle side first.
If the vehicle checks out, plug the trailer back in and then trace that brake controller output wire testing every few feet for power. Use the manual override on your brake controller to test as needed. You should get power when the override is activated and nothing when it is not engaged. If you find a short, replace the wire using # 12-1-1. Make sure your brake magnet has a solid ground connection on bare metal that is free of corrosion or debris.
Next, bench test your brake magnets to see if they need replaced. I've attached and article to assist and you will need a multimeter like # PT89ZR. If your magnets need replaced, I recommend simply replacing the entire assembly.
It sounds like it could alternatively be mechanical with a warped armature. Replacing the assembly would also solve that issue.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Right Hand - 6,000 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- RH
- 6000 lbs
- Brake Assembly
- Manual Adjust
- 12 x 2 Inch Drum
- Dexter
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: brake controller
- Search Results: etbc7 kit
- Search Results: trailer brake controller
- Search Results: load leveling trailer hitch
- Search Results: trailer door latch
- Video: Review of RV Designer RV Door Locks - Compartment Door Cam Lock - RD53MR
- Shop: RV Designer Weather-Resistant Compartment Lock - Non-Locking Thumb Turn - 7/8"
- Shop: RV Designer Hatch Lock w 1-1/8" Cam - Qty 1
- Shop: RV Designer Econo Cam Locks - Keyed - 1-1/8"
- Video: Feature Breakdown: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: trailer brakes
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Universal Wiring Harness - Dash Knob - Proportional
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Q&A: Recommended Tire Pressure for ST Trailer Tires and Load Rating Capacity
- Search Results: dexter electric brakes
- Q&A: Should The Trailer Brake Circuit Have Continuity Between the Blue Power Wire and Ground?
- Video: All You Need to Know About the Deluxe Compartment Door Key Lock
- Shop: Dexter Electric Trailer Brakes - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K
- Video: Replacement 10" x 2-1/4" Electric Brake Shoes Feature Review
- Video: Review of Curt RVi Series Bullseye Wireless Monitor - RVI64FR
- Video: Let’s Check Out the Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly
- Q&A: Availability of Brake and Bearing Temperature Monitor
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
on Accessories and Parts
