Electric Brakes

dbaverb · 09-09-2004, 07:11 PM

I need some advise. On a return trip from vacation, I noticed that one of the tires from each side had a red wire loose. I suspected that this was associated with the electric brakes. They appeared to have been cut somehow but I haven't investigated it yet. I have a 34' so the three axles gives me some comfort that at least four out of the six brakes should be working. Can anyone tell me if I continue to drive without the two electric brakes if any damage can become of the two? I don't plan to do this long term but I just haven't had a chance to look at it and I do have a rally before I investigate the problem. The drive will be a short one.

Thanks

LeeC · 09-09-2004, 08:58 PM

If I were you I would at least crawl up under and take a look/see to be sure that no naked wires can touch metal and short out. If one of the dangling wires did short, it might blow a fuse or your brake controller leaving you with no trailer brakes.

My guess is that you would be okay for a short trip with 4 working brakes. There are lots of trailers out there that are heavier than our Airstreams and that have only 4 wheels.

I am not a mechanic nor do I play one on tv.

Good luck

Lee

wingfoot1 · 09-09-2004, 09:32 PM

[quote=dbaverb]I need some advise. On a return trip from vacation, I noticed that one of the tires from each side had a red wire loose. I suspected that this was associated with the electric brakes. They appeared to have been cut somehow but I haven't investigated it yet. I have a 34' so the three axles gives me some comfort that at least four out of the six brakes should be working. Can anyone tell me if I continue to drive without the two electric brakes if any damage can become of the two? I don't plan to do this long term but I just haven't had a chance to look at it and I do have a rally before I investigate the problem. The drive will be a short one.

How many miles have you pulled it since you owned it? A few might bother me, a lot might lend some degree of comfort that it will continue to perform the same.

Do you check your wheels & tires for heat buildup regularly when you are towing? If you have had no issues, then you may continue to get away with the same situation for one more weekend??????

RivetED · 09-09-2004, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeeC

If I were you I would at least crawl up under and take a look/see to be sure that no naked wires can touch metal and short out. If one of the dangling wires did short, it might blow a fuse or your brake controller leaving you with no trailer brakes.

My guess is that you would be okay for a short trip with 4 working brakes. There are lots of trailers out there that are heavier than our Airstreams and that have only 4 wheels.

I am not a mechanic nor do I play one on tv.

Good luck

Lee

This looks like good advice...err on the side of caution.

Rick Alston · 09-10-2004, 06:40 AM

I, too, agree with Lee's analysis and I also believe that you will experience an increase in magnet deterioration on the remaining four due to the need to make use the same stopping power with just four wheels. In other words, you will have the electrical power required (and set via the controller) of six magnets going to only four of them. Therefore, any prolonged use is not a good idea partly because you would also need to adjust the brake shoes after all is said and done to compensate for added wear on the four wheels.

Terry (aka Argosy20), what are your thoughts, now that I have put you on the spot?

Rick

dinoburb · 09-10-2004, 07:58 AM

Hi!

I, too, own a 34' AS. You didn't state if the disconnected brakes were on the same axle. If they were on the same axle then you have reduced, even braking. Not a good situation but manageable. If, on the other hand, the disconnected brakes are on different axles you are causing undue stress on the axle & chassis because of differential braking. This can't be a good situation.

Bottom line is repair the broken wires and tow safely!

Take care,

dbaverb · 09-12-2004, 07:01 PM

Thanks all for the replies. Yes, I have secured the loose wires and they are not on the same axle. The repairs are in the making as of the posting.

RivetED · 09-12-2004, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbaverb

Thanks all for the replies. Yes, I have secured the loose wires and they are not on the same axle. The repairs are in the making as of the posting.

Good luck with your brakes, hope all goes well. I just installed a Brakesmart controller in our truck. It is supposed to notify you if any of the wiring has problems. Should be interesting to find out if ti would have caught this??.