Troubleshooting Trailer Disconnect Issue Occurring On 5TH Wheel Camper

Published 08/10/2023

Question:

Thank you. I have a 2014 Dodge Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn Limited.bought new and a 2015 Heartland Big Horn 38’ fifth wheel travel trailer with electric self adjusting Lippert brakes bought new. I also have a Featherlite gooseneck stock trailer and a Hillsboro gooseneck grain trailer both with electric brakes that have never caused a problem. When towing the Big Horn I get an intermittent message “check trailer brake wiring” usually followed by “trailer disconnected”. The first time this happened Billion Dodge in Bozeman, MT said brake controller was bad which they replaced. I didn’t keep a record and can’t remember if that was changed before or after a self adjusting brake had a broken spring damaging the brake drum so the whole unit was replaced. I have towed the trailer1500 miles over several days without a problem then get the messages when slowed down making a turn for instance. One rainy day on a rural blacktop the message was coming on and going off repeatedly. I just got it out of the shed where it has been for 2 years. I putt down the road a mile and when I began a left turn got the messages. Parked it in my driveway and a half hour later started to pull it forward 50’ and got the messages. 3 different Dodge dealers say it is the trailer. 4 camper repair shops have said it is the truck. They say Dodge has a brake controller problem. If so why do my 2 gooseneck trailers not have the problem? Sometimes when the message is on the EVIC and I have to apply brakes to stop at an intersection, for example, the messsage goes off when I step on the peddle and the brakes work. Other times stepping on the brake peddle doesn’t change anything and brakes don’t work. Sure do appreciate any help.

asked by: James C

Helpful Expert Reply:

Seeing as the issue only occurs on one of your trailer using electric brakes this tells me the issue is with the trailer itself. With it being an intermittent issue these are always difficult to find the cause of the problem. You will want to start by tracing all the wiring for the brakes and looking for any possible signs of damage to the wiring. With it showing the trailer disconnecting this is a sign the wire could be broken inside the protective covering. This is what makes it difficult to detect as well since it only occurs occasionally. You can use a Multimeter # PT29ZR to attach to different points along the wiring to check for continuity. This will allow you to move the wiring to see if you can recreate the issue you are having. Also be sure to check your trailer connector for any damage to the connectors.

expert reply by: Bud M