Brake wiring problem - Montana Owners Club

mboys · 06-05-2016, 05:06 AM

So here I am 4,000 miles later in Alaska and having brake wiring issues. Have had a couple of folks look at with no results yet.

Problem: message on dash (2015 RAM 3500) showing check trailer brake wiring then goes to trailer not connected. I still have running lights however but no actual brakes on trailer. This happens going down smooth roads or rough (Alcan)no real pattern. The slightest sway will set it off. I will have no problem for miles then it will go in and out (like a short somewhere)and will have no trailer brakes for a few miles.

What I've done: I have eliminated the problem being at the truck by having another guy hook up with his and showed same problem.

I have changed out the 7 pin on the 5ers pig tail.
I have checked connections in the Jbox under the hitch on trailer.
I had a RV mechanic look at it also but of course it was ok at that time and couldn't make it go out therefor he could not find the problem if it didn't exist at that time.
He also visually checked the wiring going into the hubs and looked at the magnets and all appeared to be fine.

I am planning on traveling up to Fairbanks from Kenai Pen. and must fix the problem before we head out. Also have to make it back to Az. at some point.

Any help would be greatly appreciated as to what you think I should look for. Very Frustrating!!!

The Fifthwheel by the way is a 3000RK 2006. I plan on changing out the entire pig tail next as a process of elimination.

hunts800 · 06-05-2016, 06:00 AM

When I had that problem (same process, eliminated truck and 7-pin connector) , finally discovered it was the brake wires which Dexter runs through the inside of the axle. One of the wires had frayed the insulation and it would short out intermittently when the frayed area contacted the metal axle. Tech re-ran wires outside the axle, problem never re-occurred! Tech who discovered it said it is fairly common problem on Dexter axles.

Not sure whether this is your issue, but if it is it is an easy fix.

mboys · 06-05-2016, 06:16 AM

Steve, That really helps to at least point somebody in the right directions especially paying XXXX an hour for finding a needle in a haystack. It sounds very probable that could be my problem. I'm scheduled to take the Monty to a trailer company outside Soldotna AK (they sell flat bed trailers not TT's or RV's) and I'll be sure to have them check this out. I assume your guy found the problem check the continuity for that leg of the wiring??

hunts800 · 06-05-2016, 06:29 AM

Nope. As a last resort, he simply pulled the wires out of both axles and found the frayed area. If the frayed area was not touching the axle at the point he did a continuity check, it would have tested ok. Luckily, he had seen this problem before. It only took him about 1/2 hour to re-run the wires and zip tie them to the axle where they could easily be inspected.

mboys · 06-05-2016, 06:36 AM

Awesome. I'll have them start there then since I should probable re-route those wires anyway it sounds like. Thanks loads Steve, this may solve the problem and save me a few bucks as well. Be Safe and thanks again.

WaltBennett · 06-05-2016, 08:41 AM

I've also heard of this problem, but not experienced it myself (YET!). I'd just have them run new wires outside the axle and be done with it. Otherwise, you'll be paying a lot more for troubleshooting. You've eliminated the truck and cables, so this is the only other place it could be unless there's a seriously strange problem somewhere between your pin box and the brakes. The wiring can be checked where it comes out of the belly, on the street side if you rig is like mine. A tech can then splice in and run on the outside of the axles over to the other side. Shouldn't be a big job.

mboys · 06-05-2016, 09:12 AM

Thanks Walt, that's where I'm going to have them start when I take it back in on the 9th.

**DQDick** · 06-05-2016, 10:18 AM

Actually, if you do a search for brake problems you'll find that frayed wiring inside the axel comes up about every six to eight months. Doesn't happen to everyone, but it isn't uncommon.

tspoon · 06-05-2016, 10:20 AM

I also had message check brake on my ford truck. I took all brake drums off and found Dexter made the wires to long in one of the brake assemblies .the wires were rubbing where the brake magnet sticks to the drum and wore off the insulation off both wires. I repaired the wires and pulled the extra wire out so it was the same length inside as the other drums.

richfaa · 06-05-2016, 10:42 AM

You have been put on the right track .It has ben kind of a common problem.

tspoon · 06-05-2016, 10:49 AM

I also had message check brake on my ford truck. I took all brake drums off and found Dexter made the wires to long in one of the brake assemblies .the wires were rubbing where the brake magnet sticks to the drum and wore off the insulation off both wires. I repaired the wires and pulled the extra wire out so it was the same length inside as the other drums.

H. John Kohl · 06-05-2016, 11:21 AM

I find when I still have lights and no brakes the plug into the truck needs resetting. I wiggle it around and it corrects. I have threatened to change out both for EZ Connector which is magnetic. The down side is having interface cables if needed for the old system.

Bill.vannuys · 06-05-2016, 06:20 PM

I had the same problem (brake wire in axle rubbed insulation off and shorted out) on my previous Keystone RV with Dexter Axles; the RV Mechanic found and identified the problem. For me the correction was they ran a new wire external to the axle that would not rub and short out.

Art-n-Marge · 06-05-2016, 07:12 PM

I had a similar problem but I attributed my issue to the RV dealer who installed my fifth trailer connector for my new Monty fifth wheel.

The problem would occur especially when raining or when water was involved driving through puddles, etc. I finally went under the truck and completely took apart the wiring, redid it, then put it all back together again and better sealing the connectors. No problems since. I didn't find anything specific, but I think it was caused by shoddy or sloppy workmanship.

27musicmakers · 06-18-2016, 05:18 AM

I have a 2004 2985rl pulled with a Ram 2500 diesel. My brakes went out completely but I also had all running and brake lights. I found a blown fuse in the engine compartment fuse panel on the drivers side of the engine. You might want to check for a loose connection/fuse in that area.I also checked voltage to each wheel with electric brake at 50% and found a lower voltage on the passenger side because of the voltage drop from the longer wires needed to reach that side. I rewired it by bringing the supply wires to the center of the axle and splitting off to each wheel from there. That made each wheel get the same voltage and brake tension. Adjusted the brakes on each wheel and all is well.

You may also like: