After Tire Blow Out on Trailer, Trailer Brakes Lock Up Unless Trailer Battery is Disconnected

Updated 08/01/2014 | Published 07/31/2014

Question:

I recently had a blowout on the right rear of my Savoy trailer. After driving for an hour and a half to arrive home, my trailer brakes locked up at my driveway. I unplugged the trailer from my 2008 Dodge 2500 diesel. The trailer brakes remained locked up. I finally disconnected the battery on the trailer and they unlocked. I was able to back into the parking spot or the trailer. I cannot find any bare spots in the wires to the electric brakes, but they still lock up whenever the battery is connected.

asked by: David J

Expert Reply:

It is possible that the blow out you had somehow caused wiring damage that is not easily visible and that damage is causing a short. Or when the tire blew out it could be that it disengaged the pin on the switch of a breakaway system if you are using one.

To reset a breakway just reinsert the pin in the switch. You will want to inspect the wiring starting at the trailer connector and working your way back. Make sure all grounds are attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces. Wires that are pinched or sandwiched could be damaged and drawing power causing the brakes to lock up.

expert reply by: Michael H