Intermittent Trailer Disconnected Message

[breton]

dans, you didn't say if you fixed the problem?

[Uncle_Bert]

Originally Posted by breton

Thanks everyone. I'll replace the trailer connector 1st and if that doesn't work I'll look at the brake connections or have someone that knows what they are doing look at the brakes.

I had a similar problem on a 2017 F150 xlt. I received an intermittent trailer wiring fault on the dash. Stopping and restarting would clear the message but eventually came back. Took it to the dealer who mentioned a service bulletin TSB 18-2106, and they replaced the whole wiring harness and connector under warranty. That was about 1 year ago, and I have not had the problem since.
Bert

[GOUSC]

I had the issue on my 2018 Globetrotter and 2018 Sierra Duramax Diesel, TV. The TV worked fine with my jet ski and boat trailers so I figured the problem was with the GT connection. I saw another post on this and the Airstreams connections is different than most other connections. Others purchased these 2 parts to remedy the problem. I did the same and have had no issues since.

This link should take you to 2 EZ connector parts. The part that connects to the TV has the most common connector to the TV. The other part connects to your Airstream plug. They are held together by a watertight magnet. I also add a Velcro strip around each connection to keep them secure.

https://bradschauf.com/blog/7-way-ad...nector-system/

[Wanna EB]

Originally Posted by SeaLevel

I had the same thing happen on my 2017 GMC Sierra. It started right after going too fast over a bumpy railroad crossing. After a day and a half of troubleshooting at JD Sanders near Gainesville, it turned out to be something in the trailer brake wiring on the trailer. We tried all the things you mentioned (plus more) first, and then took off each wheel and redid the brake wiring connections. Bam. Problem fixed.

Ditto here.
There have been a number of cases where Airstream did a poor job on the brake wire connections. Two of mine didn’t even have the shrink tube sealed.

[jconroy452]

Just happened to us-- 2015 F150, 2013 25 RB FC. Last day of a wonderful 10 day SW Oregon Caravan. Had just had the plug replaced a month earlier; new one had wires attached with crimper that left a bad attachment in the plug.

The F150'a 'disconnect' signal was not 'false.' Problem was with the bad connection on the wire that controlled trailer brakes (and thus also the brake assist)(all the lights and turn signals worked fine). If we had ignored the 'disconnect' signal, we would have been trailering w/o trailer brakes, potential disaster just around the corner!!

Best part of the story-- a group of fellow AS'ers worked with me in the rain (holding umbrella, guiding small screws on plug, general advice, and more) to reattach cord to plug with good crimp work. Drove safely home on OR 101 in driving rainstorm, thanks to brakes that worked because of these good Caravan'ers. Thank you Jim, Dan, Bill and Dan.

[Donamigo]

Have the same issue loose connection between the plug and the socket. Used a mini bungee to hold them together. That worked but I dropped it off at Airstream dealer with that among a bunch of other minor issues on our 2018 27 fit. BTW tow vehicle is a 2018 Ram

[spotted_dog]

We have a brand new F-350 and brand new AS 33 Classic and had this issue almost immediately. The AS dealer in Albuquerque NM told us this is a well know issue with Fords because Fords connector is too short. We ended up getting a large velcro cable tie that can easily be reused and that has helped but does not eliminate the problem entirely.

[gypsydad]

Again, has anyone found a great "plug and play" replacment set up for their F250/350 and the AS? Would love to know a good solution without replacing a harness if there is one..

[rmkrum]

Look at EZconnectors. They replace the problem prone 7 way flat pin connectors with a magnetic one that mates solidly. You can go with adapters or replace the TV end at the short harness plug under the rear end with a plug and play replacement.

I’m using adapters right now. Installed them on thoroughly cleaned plugs and receptacles with tie wraps to keep them in place. All it takes to make a solid connection is line it up and let the magnets grab on. No more disconnect indications on my aftermarket brake controller now.

[breton]

Changed both trailer and truck connection - same issue. Went back to the Ford dealer a 2nd time. They couldn't resolve it.
Someone on the forum suggested changing the setting on my truck brake settings for the trailer from "electric" to "electric over hydraulic". That seemed to work. I let the dealer know there might be a Ford software glitch that needs to be fixed so the truck will recognize a single axle electric trailer.