brake controller problem

[endless horizons]

We have been having problems with the brakes not working. When the trailer is hooked up the light inside comes on. But when we drive it the brakes on the trailer do not work. Any ideas?

thanks
Maggie

[AustinBoston]

This could be a number of issues.

First, you need to make sure there is a reliable ground.  It is possible to have a ground through the hitch, but hitch greounding is unreliable and intermittent.

Second, are the brakes themselves properly adjusted?  Hydraulic brakes like on your car self-adjust continuously as you use them, but trailer brakes do not, and have to be adjusted from time to time.  These can be so far off that the brakes don't work at all, especially after the bearings have been serviced.

On most trailers, you need to jack up one side of the trailer, brace it with jack stands, and remove a small access cover from the inside of the brake assembly (the side facing the underside of the trailer).  Inside the access cover is a star nut that can be turned with a screwdriver.  You use that nut to tighten the brakes until they drag, then back off one notch until they just slightly drag.  Put the cover back on, repeat on the other side, and you should have brakes.

Austin

[dupreet]

Stupid Question Maggie -

You do have a brake controller installed on your tow vehicle and a 7-Pin round connector?  If you have the flat 4-pin connector, you won't get brakes!!

If you have a controller and 7-Pin, then move on to the connector. As mentioned, having a good ground on the 7-pin is needed.  If you look at http://www.angelfire.com/az3/arizonarvrentals/Trailer/guide.html , you will find a pinout of the the 7-pin connector.

You will need a multi-meter to check things out.  The two 'bottom' pins are 1-Ground and 2-Brakes.  With someone either stepping on the brake pedel, or activating the controller, you should see 12 volt DC power between these two.....as they let off the brakes, it should go back to 0.  

If the power is getting to these pins, you will need to check the trailer-side connector and verify that the correct wires are hooked up, and that power is coming through the connector to the trailer's wires.  

If so, the next step is to check the brake wires at the trailer hubs for power.

It is unlikely the magnets in the brakes are shot, but not completely out of the range of possibility.  You should find an issue with the wiring somewhere.

Please let us know what you find out, or if you have any questions.

Later,

Todd

[Barry Smith]

Austin  regarding your response to Maggie and the steps for adjusting the breaks on the trailer, do you think the  Coleman Sea Pine (2000) has a similiar
adjustment mechinism?

[AustinBoston]

Austin  regarding your response to Maggie and the steps for adjusting the breaks on the trailer, do you think the  Coleman Sea Pine (2000) has a similiar
adjustment mechinism?

It probably does; if it has a Dexter axle, then the answer is yes.  Fleetwood (makes the Sea Pine) uses Dexter axles almost exclusively; other axles would only be used if there were a shortage.

I tried to find instructions on Dexter's site (http://www.dexteraxle.com/), but the site and the literature on it are just about useless.

Austin