What Would Cause Sparks When Trailer Safety Chains are Connected

Question

Question:

I have an old brake controller 2002 and a two year old Forest River 17 foot trailer. I use a 7 pin connector. I just recently installed a weight distribution system not sure if that played a role. I recently connected the trailer and when I did I got sparks from where the chains connected to the hitch. Odd. That seems to have fried the brake controller. I checked all the fuses and they are all still good, so I think the controller has failed. I plan to get a new progressive controller from you and a Hopkins HM40920 just because thats all broken up on my truck. However, I still dont know what would have cause the sparks. Everything was wet because it was raining cats and dogs. Any thoughts?

asked by: Matt S

0

Expert Reply:

You have a short on the trailer wiring most likely between the 12 volt accessory circuit, the frame of the trailer, and the brake output circuit of the brake controller. You'll need to go over the wiring of the trailer looking for any obvious signs of a short and fix as needed.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Answer 1

What you've been told is likely the culprit, and I don't believe that it's coming from an issue on the Curt #C56357 you've installed. I would check the ground wire on the trailer wiring harness to make sure that it is connected to a…

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Answer 2

Hey Matt, Furrion typically has 4 wires running to their thermostats and the Chill Cube Thermostat #LC74DX is no exception. The harness you see with the thermostat would plug into the Chill Cube's controller and has 4 wires to extra wire to to…

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Answer 3

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a ST175/80D13 like…

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Answer 4

Hey Paul, congratulations on the new truck and motorhome! I can definitely help you out here. In addition to the tow bar and brake system you will need the base plate kit and your tow bar wiring. For a complete setup I recommend the following: -Demco…

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Answer 5

Welcome back Brad! The brackets can be mounted as far back as 32" from the center of the hitch ball on the Weigh Safe True Tow Weight Distribution Hitch item #WS94RR. That dimension is measured from the center of the 2" wide bracket. At…

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Answer 6

Hi Danny, great question! Short answer, no, The Hellwig helper springs part #HE38FR won’t work with the mono leaf suspension on your 2022 Sierra 1500. I know that can be frustrating, especially when you’re just trying to get rid of sag or improve how…

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Answer 7

Hey Greg! The Titan Chain Tire Chains #TC2536 are not Class S compatible. For Class S chains that fit your 275/65R20 tires we have the Titan Chain Alloy Snow Tire Chains #TC2335. The only other option is cables, and I really only recommend them if…

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Answer 8

Hey Brian. The Seaflo Fresh Water Electric RV Toilet item #SE95CR does not use a standard 3" or 4" RV toilet flange and you will need to purchase new hardware and additional fittings. The 18-3/4" tall x 14" wide x 17-1/4"…

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Answer 9

Hey Richard. The difference in the three MORryde hand rails is how far they extend away from the side of your trailer and how long the railing goes down the stairs. The MORryde item #MR34RV extends out 16" from the mounting point and has a…

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Answer 10

First thing we need to do is pick out the correct rated weight distribution system for your 28 foot Airstream. I looked up specs on what you have and the total weight could be 7,600 lbs so you'd most likely have a tongue weight range of around…

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What Would Cause Sparks When Trailer Safety Chains are Connected

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