Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes that Lock Up When 7-Way Connector is Connected

Question

Question:

my breaks are locking up when 7 pin, which tests in working condition, is connected. I can disconnect the break control wire and no change. Breaks will only unlock if 7 pin connecter is removed. Can only move trailer forward or backward about a foot. Merritt stock trailer in excellent condition including wiring. Something other than break controller seems to be feeding voltage to break system.

asked by: Mike

0

Expert Reply:

Sounds like the 12 volt accessory circuit is shorting out to the brake output circuit on the trailer wiring. Go over the wiring and look for any cut or exposed wire between these two circuits and fix as needed.

If the stock trailer had a 6-way connector on it that was adapted to a 7-way the problem is that there is two different ways that 6-ways can be wired and only difference is the brake output and 12 volt circuits are swapped so if that's case that would be what you would need to change.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Answer 1

For your 2024 Nissan Frontier I recommend the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98869. This is a Class III hitch with a 2" receiver and a max gross trailer/tongue weight of 5,000/500 lbs. This hitch also features a matte black powder coat…

view full answer...

Answer 2

The easiest first step here would be to try the trailer on a different truck, and see if the same problem occurs. If the trailer brakes are free until the trailer is plugged in, I suspect that something is mis wired. I would suggest examine the…

view full answer...

Answer 3

There are a few things that can cause the brakes to lock up on a trailer. First, disconnect the trailer from the vehicle. Then use a circuit tester like #PTW2979 if needed to test the connector on the vehicle. Have someone sit in the truck and run…

view full answer...

Answer 4

I have a suspicion about what might be causing the problem you mention. Do your trucks have 6-way trailer connectors? Or, do the trucks have 7-way connectors, but you are using a 6-way to 7-way adapters because the trailers use 6-way connectors?…

view full answer...

Answer 5

After installing your Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller #TK90160 you should see the following two-digit display: n.c. which means "power to brake controller without trailer connected." This displays for 15 seconds then changes to…

view full answer...

Answer 6

0.0 flashing on a Primus IQ controller #TK90160 indicates that the power level is set all the way to zero. .c indicates that the controller has been connected to a vehicle. It sounds like your controller is set to zero and is connected to a trailer.…

view full answer...

Answer 7

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 8

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 9

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

view full answer...

Answer 10

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

view full answer...

Answer 11

Hey Jonathon thank you so much for all of that additional information! To haul your bikes behind your class C Sprinter motorhome, while flat towing your Mini, I recommend the Hollywood Racks RV Rider Bike Rack item #HLY64FR and the Roadmaster Dual…

view full answer...

Answer 12

Yes, it will work. You'll just need to cut the Lance 6-pin connector out and rewire it into the etrailer Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit w/ Junction Box and RV Style Connector item #e99011. Here are the individual functions of that Lance 6-pin:…

view full answer...

Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes that Lock Up When 7-Way Connector is Connected

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Continue Researching