Trailer brake lock up

[BandJ]

while traveling to Florida this week I did not unhook my 5th wheel from the truck while at the over night campground.

The next morning my electric Brakes on the 5th wheel were locked up.

To unlock them I would back up for about 30 feet and they would unlock.

Why did the Brakes lockup ?????????

[OntMont]

We had this happen a few times with our previous 3255RL trailer. Not sure why, but is stopped happening after we had the shoes replaced. It has not happend with our new 3670 (with Dexter axles and brakes).

[NJ Hillbilly]

I'm not sure why they locked up but I don't think it's related to the truck staying connected. Might have been a heat issue and pulling into a site without the usuaul jockeying around to get in the exact desired spot, level on blocks, etc. made a difference.

I wouldn't worry about it unless it happens again, then get the brakes checked.


John

[Montana_883]

[quote]Originally posted by BandJ

I had this happen to me. The problem was with the Emergency brake-a-way switch, It had came loose and would lock my brakes if the pull cable was moved just right. It took me awhile to fine this because the switch was bad, and intermittent. My dealer actually found it and replaced it. One of the plastic keepers was broke. A very bad thing to have brakes lock up when you don't know why.

[azstar]

Bryan,

I might suggest having the brakes checked for the proper adjustment. If there is too much travel in the mechanism they will have a tendency to lock as you describe.

Just a thought,

Happy Camping

[rames14]

BandJ -

I would suggest finding a Montana dealer and having them look at it, even if you're on the road. Hope you don't have any further issues.

[ronstan]

We had trouble with our 2004 3295 with one of the brakes locking up every once in a while. Wouldn't do it all the time. In Nov. when we had warranty work done they checked the brakes and couldn't find anything wrong. When we went to leave with the trailer I applied the brakes the service writer was there and saw them squeal and lock up. He imediatly said its not right so we left it there and they put new brake shoes all the way around. It was a different type shoe than what was on it. Seemed to work good when we brought it home. Better get it check out at dealer asap. You gotta have brakes

[Chester]

As lazeejl said, I'd be a little suspicious of the emergency break a way switch. You don't say what the age of your unit is but I'd have it looked at right away. There's 2 possiblities that could happen...1) Brakes stop working or 2) they lock up ..maybe while you're underway!

[sreigle]

There are some good possibilities in the posts above. I know, also, that if the magnets are worn too much they will go past the point of no return and will cause this problem. This can happen if your brake controller is set considerably too aggressive and wears those magnets down.

Or if your last braking action was while in reverse, maybe some worn brake parts would lock your brakes?