Problem Trailer brakes

[Harley3348]

We have a Grand Design Solitude and on our way down to Florida for the winter I noticed that the Ram 3500 diesel dually seemed to be doing most if not all of the breaking. I pulled onto a side road, drove to about 20 mph and squeezed the brake controller (did not touch the foot brake) the camper brakes never stopped the camper. I stopped and checked all areas. Dash settings, fuses, 7 pin plug, emergency brake cable and the two wires on each wheel that connect the camper to the brakes. All checks out. Tried it again and no luck. Any suggestions. TYIA.

 

[team bradfield]

defective brake controller? did you try it in auto instead of having to squeeze it?

 

[Boat Bum]

Did it slow at all?

 

[Kevin D Pem]

I assume the RAM was equipped with the factory controller. In the truck settings choose the heavy trailer dual axle/triple axle setting, and adjust the brake gain setting till the brakes give the desired braking.

If this advice doesn't work for you use dielectric grease on the plug and socket.

If that fails check the fuse for the brake system in truck fuse box, and same in the trailer.

If either fuse is blown follow the brake wires there complete distance all the way to each backing plate.

If you have melted wires your electromagnetic magnets may have worn through to the coil. That happened to me on My fifth wheel a couple years back. Admittedly My rig is old enough that the Grand design company wasn't even a glimmer in it's creators eye.

 

[allenlook]

" I stopped and checked all areas."

What does that mean, you checked for continuity? Voltage? Current?

Your electric drum brakes should pull 2.5-3A each at 12V, did you measure for current with the truck brakes applied?

Do you have one of those "smart" controllers in the truck that doesn't apply full voltage unless you have the doors closed, the truck in "D", and your tongue held just right? My F-150 does, and it's super annoying when troubleshooting.

Did you add lots of grease to the wheels before you left, and dump a tube into each drum unexpectedly? I've pulled drum brakes off that were completely fouled with nice shiny, new grease.

Are the drums self-adjusting, by applying the brakes while backing up, or do you have to adjust them with the star wheel like the good old days?

 

[Phillbo]

Do the lights on the trailer work?

Try pulling the break away cable and see if they activate. If they do the problem is with the truck, if they dont it could be either.