Problem Trailer brakes

[Old one]

I have one of the 4 pin ones, however, being a tecno-nerd, I use teh DVM>
I have said this before and say it again. Y'all: BUY a basic Digital volt-ohm-ammeter. Us techno guys can talk you thru measuring something, and the info leads us to an answer. This is waaaayyyyy cheaper than going to a dealer service (?) center.
$20 gets you a basic, and 30 gets you auto-ranging (desirable)
Accessories: clip leads, and a few small sewing needles. These are for piercing wires and clipping on a meter. (12 V ONLY, please). I have a pocket size DVM I bought years ago. Yes, limited functions and measurements, but saved a lot of time.

 

[Holdmybeer]

Occam's razor: Spray some quick drying contact cleaner into the 7 pin female and on the 7 pin male

 

[Harley3348]

Did it slow at all?

No.

 

[Harley3348]

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.

Thanks Kevin, great info, i will try all suggested.

 

[Harley3348]

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

Can you please explain ‘try it in auto’ I don’t know what that means. Thanks

 

[Boat Bum]

My battery drained to the point I couldn't start my coach. As a result I believe my brake controller lost all settings. I had to replace my trailer tires and in doing so I tested the brakes and they were not working, I spun the tire while jacked up applied full manual controller brake, nothing.

After checking for tight connections I went back through my settings and they were zeroed out. I reapplied my settings and spun the tire again, they worked! I have a Tekonsha controller plugged directly into harness under dash.

 

[team bradfield]

Can you please explain ‘try it in auto’ I don’t know what that means. Thanks

Mine had a selector for manual (squeeze) or auto, it would brake when truck brake was applied

 

[MikeT]

" 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?

Are you asking whether it has electric or hydraulic brakes?

 

[allenlook]

Are you asking whether it has electric or hydraulic brakes?

Great question, I did not think to, the Grand Design Solitude usually came with self-adjusting electric drums and the OP didn't mention if this was upgraded to discs, so I was assuming electric drums.

 

[Piros1]

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.

Are your brakes out of adjustment, most trailers don’t properly self adjust. I would check the adjustment. You can jack your wheels and manually spin them and have someone else apply the brakes to see if the electrical is properly functioning. If so I would lean towards adjusting you brakes. Most likely this is your problem. If you pull a lot the adjustment is an annual requirement.