Brake problems - again...

Luvaneezer · 06-01-2015, 10:37 AM

Hi All,
We have had problems with the brakes and brake controller over the years. The worst part is being shuffled between the RV place and the car dealership, each claiming it is not their problem. This past weekend as we were leaving with camper all set and loaded, the brake controller light failed to light. It would flash briefly, then not at all when we plugged the camper in.
We are headed back into the RV-Dealership shuffle.
Suggestions from anyone who maybe has had similar woes?
Thanks, Diane

looking4fun · 06-01-2015, 11:18 AM

Quick easy test to isolate your problem to your camper or TV. if you don't have it pick up a 12v test light it's sold at any auto parts store. Or even if you have a dc volt meter would work. Find out the pin for the brake control signal on the trailer hitch plug(I forget which one it is off the top of my head) and use the led to touch the pin. Have some one step on the brake. If the light comes on or your voltmeter shows voltage you know your TV isn't the problem. If not then you need to start looking into what's going on with your TV.

Luvaneezer · 06-01-2015, 02:48 PM

Thanks a million for the reply - this will be really helpful!!
I got a 12v tester.
Just to confirm, I assume I would attach the alligator clip on the tester to ground before I probe the pin on the trailer hitch with the tester (as I have someone step on the brake)? Is that correct?
Thanks!

BTW - is there a way to test on the trailer side to verify that the brakes are ok there?

Eagle · 06-01-2015, 06:53 PM

Yes, you have to have a ground w/the alligator clip or the light won't light when juice is present.

FFX160_CT · 06-02-2015, 12:30 AM

As someone else stated, after you connect, you must step on the brake--it sort of activates the brakes. What you described happened to me a lot and I assumed the connection wasn't working. After I stepped on the brakes, I got the two solid lights and working brakes. Also, sometimes a bit of the electrical connector spray works.

Eagle · 06-02-2015, 06:15 AM

I use dielectric grease on the electric plug to my camper. It keeps the contacts clean, prevents corrosion and prevents water infiltration.

Available at most box stores, any auto parts store and here:

http://www.amazon.com/Permatex-22058.../dp/B000AL8VD2

profdant139 · 06-02-2015, 02:11 PM

Eagle, I never heard of that stuff till you mentioned it, and a little web research says you are right!! How do you apply it? Do you clean the contacts first? Does it pick up dirt?

Thanks for the tip!

Eagle · 06-02-2015, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by profdant139

Eagle, I never heard of that stuff till you mentioned it, and a little web research says you are right!! How do you apply it? Do you clean the contacts first? Does it pick up dirt?

Thanks for the tip!

I have always used it before any corrosion became evident but if corroded, probably best to clean the contacts first.

I just squeeze a bit out of the tube on a rag or my finger and wipe it on the male plug contact blades. On the female plug, squeeze a little into the openings right from the tube.

Yes, it will pick up a little dirt (it's grease) but that has never been a problem. If the amount of grime seems excessive, wipe the male contacts and apply a bit more .. or let it pickup some from the female plug end.

It's great stuff where-ever there is an electrical connection ~ including it works great on your tow vehicle battery and RV house battery connections so they make good contact and remain corrosion free!

Luvaneezer · 06-02-2015, 09:30 PM

Great information, everyone. Thanks, Eagle, for the pointer to the permatex - just ordered it.
I checked the connections on the van as looking4fun suggested before bringing the car in for regular maintenance - and found no output. Honda first said they could not check any of this until I reminded them that they installed the wiring harness and hitch. They called when they got the car in to say that they found one corroded wire and one severed wire. They repaired and wrapped the wires well to prevent recurrence.
We got the van home and tested with the FF - and all is well - whew!!
I think the Permtex should help us keep things in good working order.
Next it is off to have an assessment done for repairing (maybe rebuilding) the roof. Wish us luck!
Thanks, again, for the help.

looking4fun · 06-03-2015, 08:37 PM

O boy.... Rebuilding the roof. It is so much fun!!! smh. Don't ask me how I know. Lol

Luvaneezer · 06-04-2015, 10:50 AM

looking4fun - I have followed your journey with awe and amazement!! If I ever had any thought of attempting this myself, it vanished as I saw the talent required to accomplish this!! Hoping it will be possible to have our roof attended to and the damage is not too extensive - so we can enjoy many years more. BTW - I love the wood interior you created!!

Eagle · 06-04-2015, 03:47 PM

luvaneezer ~ glad your electrical problem was located and repaired.

Happy camping

looking4fun · 06-06-2015, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luvaneezer

looking4fun - I have followed your journey with awe and amazement!! If I ever had any thought of attempting this myself, it vanished as I saw the talent required to accomplish this!! Hoping it will be possible to have our roof attended to and the damage is not too extensive - so we can enjoy many years more. BTW - I love the wood interior you created!!

If it was caught early then the damage shouldn't be to bad. My leak was so bad and gone on for so long it rotted the roof and the floor (where it puddled). Lucky I've always been handy when it come to fixing things. The wood interior was my wife's idea. I was going to go with paneling again but she wanted it different. Not to sure what it weights right now with the wood, extra batteries, and storage bin. Took it to a scale that I used to weigh it when I got it but it isn't open on weekends now. I hope your roof will be an easy repair. Atleast when I got my camper I was looking for a project.