So does anybody know why when I brake, my trailer's right side will lock up when I'm almost stopped? The left hand side wheels seem to slow down and brake just fine.
I have tried the small adjustments on the controller, and nothing seems to work for the better.
I tried towing another trailer and it does the same thing. I guess the controller is shot?

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

So does anybody know why when I brake, my trailer's right side will lock up when I'm almost stopped? The left hand side wheels seem to slow down and brake just fine.
I have tried the small adjustments on the controller, and nothing seems to work for the better.
I tried towing another trailer and it does the same thing. I guess the controller is shot?

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

It might be cheaper to get a new controller, but here are some ideas to while away your time otherwise...:D

http://www.campertrailers.org/elect_brake_troubleshooter.htm

page 17 of http://www.hayesbc.com/PDFs/ENERGIZE%20III+XPC%20Installation%20and%20Operatio n%20Manual.pdf

BRAKES - How do I measure brake voltage?
System voltage is measured at the magnets by connecting a voltmeter to the two magnet lead wires at any brake. This may be accomplished by using a pin probe inserted through the insulation of the wires dropping down from the chassis or by cutting the wires. The engine of the towing vehicle should be running when checking the voltage so that a low battery will not affect the readings. Voltage in the system should begin at 0 volts and, as the controller bar is slowly actuated, should gradually increase to about 12 volts. This is referred to as modulation. No modulation means that when the controller begins to apply voltage to the brakes it applies an immediate high voltage, which causes the brakes to apply instantaneous maximum power. The threshold voltage of a controller is the voltage applied to the brakes when the controller first turns on. The lower the threshold voltage the smoother the brakes will operate. Too high of a threshold voltage (in excess of 2 volts as quite often found in heavy duty controllers) can cause grabby, harsh brakes.

I wouldn't think that it would do it on just one side. There is one wire that goes to the brakes on the trailer. The controller doesn't know if its left or right.

First thing to check is the trailer brakes - are they adjusted the same? Next, check the magnets to make sure they are getting current. Like winter200 said, the controller doesn't distinguish between the two sides of the trailer, so I'm sure that is not the problem.

Like the last two said, something is going on with the trailer brakes. Don't just look at the ones that are locking up, check the other side too. The side not locking up may not be working at all. :driver:

Thanks guys.

So here is what makes me go hmmmmmm. I have pulled different trailers and they all do the same thing. Makes me think it has nothing to do with the camper....

Which brake control do you have?

Which brake control do you have?


Not sure. I'm gonna have to look tomorrow. Something tells me it's a cheapo....:(

Thanks guys.

So here is what makes me go hmmmmmm. I have pulled different trailers and they all do the same thing. Makes me think it has nothing to do with the camper....

The brake controller only has one output for the brakes. That power is divided up on the trailer. If one side of the trailer is locking up at low speeds, the most likely cause is the adjustment of the trailer brakes. People tend to ignore periodically adjusting trailer brakes. Also, as mentioned earlier, it could be an issue with the magnets, but since you have tried several trailers, my money is on adjustment.

You may be trying to adjust the brakes too finely. They shouldn't lock up at low speeds unless you are standing on the truck brakes. The ideal is to have the brakes operate the same proportionately as the tow vehicle's brakes.