Trailer towing

[Ron Gilbert]

My truck indicates that the trailer bakes are not connected. Does this mean that the brakes are automatically engaged

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Welcome to RVF, @Ron Gilbert; glad to have you join us here.

We do need a bit more information in order to help you sort this out. Make/model/year of the truck? Where does it indicate that the "trailer brakes are not connected;" owner manual, sticker/tag on wires, dash or trailer brake display? A photo of the tag/sticker/display would be very helpful.

TJ

 

[Gronk]

If you mean the truck has a brake controller that gives you messages, then no, you don't have trailer brakes that are operating properly. Also, the trailer brakes won't be applied automatically. You need to troubleshoot them ASAP. Chances are the plug might be slightly loose and not making contact. When I first got my truck and hooked to the trailer I couldn't get the trailer brakes to function. If I spayed the plug with lube then I could get the plug in far enough to make a connection. I filed the male end a little so I don't need any assistance making sure everything works.

 

[Ron Gilbert]

Welcome to RVF, @Ron Gilbert; glad to have you join us here.

We do need a bit more information in order to help you sort this out. Make/model/year of the truck? Where does it indicate that the "trailer brakes are not connected;" owner manual, sticker/tag on wires, dash or trailer brake display? A photo of the tag/sticker/display would be very helpful.

TJ

I have a 2016 Dodge 2500 that has the trailer package installed When I hook up to the trailer I get a symbol on the dashboard telling me this

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

I'm thinking that this is telling you something is not wired or otherwise connected correctly. I don't believe it means your brakes are "automatically engaged." I suggest having a hitch shop check it out

TJ

 

["EZ"]

I have a 2016 Dodge 2500 that has the trailer package installed When I hook up to the trailer I get a symbol on the dashboard telling me this

Go to the Ram Truck dealer and ask to speak to the Technician that wires the trailer brakes. He should be able to answer some general questions for you about how the system works. If the service department won't help, then go to the sales department. Ask for a salesman that is knowledgeable about the trailer brake control system on your pickup. They should be glad to help. This is also one way to tell if this is a dealer that you'd want to do business with in the future assuming you didn't buy the truck from them. ?

 

[VadersTrailer15]

I'm having a similar issue. Looking for troubleshooting recommendations.
Details:
2021 Nissan Titan Pro-4x w/ OEM Trailer Brake Control Unit (TBCU)
2015 Keystone Passport Ultra Lite 171EXP

Purchased the trailer this past weekend, couldn't get the trailer brakes recognized by the truck TBCU, towed it home without brakes (very light trailer so not a big issue). The TBCU just shows two dots which indicates that power is connected to the TBCU and it's ready to tow. Turn signals, Running/Brake lights all function properly.

Trouble shooting thus far:
- Connected my neighbor's travel trailer 7 pin and the TBCU immediately recognized the brake connection and modified the screen image from two dots to an "a" for Auto.
- Applied the brake brake pedal and the TBCU immediately displayed the gain applied to the trailer.

Assumption:
- My trailer's 7-pin connector may not be functioning properly with the trailer brake input not properly communicating, bad connector.
(How could I diagnose this further?)
- There may be a blown fuse in the trailer brake system.
(No fuse information provided with the trailer owners manual, anyone have any guidance?, trace the wires backwards from the connector pin?)
- There is an open in the line and the brakes aren't actually working.

Any guidance trouble shooting this issue would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance.

(Side note, my local Keystone dealer refused to offer me service because I didn't purchase the trailer new from them, I purchased it from a friend who originally purchased it new from a dealer hundreds of miles away in 2015, anyone else have this issue?!?)

 

[Gronk]

I don't know anything about the brake controller in your Nissan, but since the brakes work with another trailer you need to trace the problem on your trailer. I suggest taking the cover off the junction box where your pigtail goes. Plug the trailer into your truck and check for power at the BLUE wire. Also check to make sure another wire is hooked up to the same wire. If you have 12v+ there, go under the trailer and check the connectors by the wheels. If you have 12v+ there, check the ground wire coming from your brakes and make sure it has a good connection to the trailer frame. If good there, go back to the box where you first checked for power and make sure the WHITE wire is connected to the frame. That will give you a good start as to where your problem is. Oh, there is not a fuse in the trailer brake wiring on the trailer side.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

I don't know anything about the brake controller in your Nissan, but since the brakes work with another trailer you need to trace the problem on your trailer. I suggest taking the cover off the junction box where your pigtail goes. Plug the trailer into your truck and check for power at the BLUE wire. Also check to make sure another wire is hooked up to the same wire. If you have 12v+ there, go under the trailer and check the connectors by the wheels. If you have 12v+ there, check the ground wire coming from your brakes and make sure it has a good connection to the trailer frame. If good there, go back to the box where you first checked for power and make sure the WHITE wire is connected to the frame. That will give you a good start as to where your problem is. Oh, there is not a fuse in the trailer brake wiring on the trailer side.

Excellent suggestions, @Gronk; I think you have nailed the issue and the steps to track it down.

TJ

 

[Gronk]

Excellent suggestions, @Gronk; I think you have nailed the issue and the steps to track it down.

TJ

Thanks, TJ. Hopefully it won't be much of a problem for him!