Electric Trailer Brakes Grabbing Hard on Trailer

Updated 04/20/2021 | Published 04/16/2021

Question:

My car hauler goose neck trailer brakes are surging. When brakes are applied The brakes grab grab hard, release on their own and grab hard and release. Other trailers on same truck function and brake normaly. I think it might be a weak ground, but I dont know help. Thank you

asked by: Robert B

Helpful Expert Reply:

So there are a couple potential issues here with your trailer's electric brakes that are grabbing hard and releasing on their own. The information about other trailers working fine on the same truck is important because that means we can rule out the issue being on the truck side, and narrow it down to the trailer side.

It could always be a bad ground causing an issue with the brake wiring, so start there and see if your brakes have a good ground. The other thing you will want to check right away is your trailer's 7-way to see if it is dirty or is corroded; a corroded 7-way can tamper with the signals so if that is the case with yours the best option is to replace it with the 7-Way Molded Trailer Wire Connector # H20042.

Another thing that may be causing the issue is damaged wiring on your trailer leading to the brakes. You will want to trace the wiring and check for any that may be nicked, frayed, or otherwise damaged. I have added a link below to a help article as well I recommend checking out. While it is on troubleshooting brake controllers, there are steps in the article that can pertain to trailer brake issues as well.

expert reply by: Kyle S