Quote:
Originally Posted by SylverHilton
After years of dreaming, I have a new FC20! I've been practicing backing up and backing into a camp space. So far, so good (no dents!).
I have initially had two issues. First, being a guy and ignoring any written instructions, I failed to slide the coupler level forward before lifting. After getting help on the forum I was able to release the trailer from the TV. Second, there is something wrong with the brake controller in the TV and it needs to be exchanged. The trailer brakes come on without touching the brake pedal in the TV.
I really like the layout and size of the FC20. The counter space in the kitchen is generous as is the bathroom. The overall size of the TT is such that I can take in boondocking on the backroads of northern Idaho.
Hope to see you down the road . . .
Bob
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Try lowering the "gain" on your brake controller first. (Sorry I'm foggy here - some integrated controllers don't mesh well with Airstream brakes... and there's some kind of simple fix... Do some searching using the google option for that.) If your controller is an add on... break down and READ those instructions, might just be a toggle switch on the controller. Of course the owner's manual for your tow vehicle might have the same info for an integrated brake controller.
Next the problem might actually be in the brakes. I had one badly adjusted set of magnets in my first trailer's brakes and one wheel dragged. Only about 100 miles from a dealer, turned the controller almost OFF and drove there slowly. 10 minute fix by a good mechanic.
There's an "emergency breakaway cable" on the tongue of your trailer that should be hooked up to the tow vehicle. It is supposed to apply the trailer brakes if your trailer becomes separated from the tow vehicle while it's underway. It locks the brakes when it's pulled out of it's receptacle. Something loose there might be the culprit. Try pushing it into the receptacle - or jiggling it around. If it's loose that could be a simple fix. BTW once or twice a season you need to pull it out, check for corrosion or dirt & proper activation, and reinsert it. DON'T pull it out and leave it out, you'll burn up your brake magnets. (Also handy if you unhitch on sloped land without properly chocking your tires... STOPs your trailer from running away better than grabbing it and hanging on screaming.)
If there's no problem with the breakaway system, then does the problem only occur when you've got the umbilical plugged into the tow vehicle? Look for dirt/corrosion on your plug, wear on the umbilical cable (especially where the idiots run it out from under the tank cover - see an earlier thread today - or some other short.
As a woman this might be a tad easier for me, but whenever you are in a campground you're surrounded by RV'ers, many of whom have owned and maintained trailers for decades. By and large, RV'ers are friendly and helpful - and if you walk up and ask "is there anyone here who can help me with a ____________ problem, you'll have 5 guys with toolboxes, multimeters and contact cleaners helping you track down and fix the problem. Offerings of soft drinks and/or beer are usually the only payment expected or accepted.
Paula
New FC20!!
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