Valley trailer brake system

[juel]

Just got home with my 1978 Argosy. On the way home from El Paso with everything going great and the trailer brakes doing just what they were supposed to, we had to stop quite suddenly and used the manual control on the inside brake. From that moment on the trailer brakes did not show the numbers that they had been showing, just two dashes on the readout. The trailer didn't seem to stop any differently, just the inside brake control showed it wasn't working. In the instructions it shows this means an open circuit. If it shorts out it should show an SH on the readout. Can anyone tell me just what may have happened and what I can do to fix it.

[overlander64]

Greetings Juel!

Originally Posted by juel

Just got home with my 1978 Argosy. On the way home from El Paso with everything going great and the trailer brakes doing just what they were supposed to, we had to stop quite suddenly and used the manual control on the inside brake. From that moment on the trailer brakes did not show the numbers that they had been showing, just two dashes on the readout. The trailer didn't seem to stop any differently, just the inside brake control showed it wasn't working. In the instructions it shows this means an open circuit. If it shorts out it should show an SH on the readout. Can anyone tell me just what may have happened and what I can do to fix it.

There are a number of potential problems, but the two that I had with my '78 Minuet that produced similar symptoms were encountered shortly after I acquired the coach. The first was corrosion in the Bargman plug that resulted in an intermittent issue with brake operation. The second was a "ghost" that would reappear sporadically after encountering rough roads - - the culprit for this condition evaded capture for quite some time - - the brake wire had been misrouted during construction and had become pinched between the frame and underbelly (a new wire properly routed solved the problem). My suspicion is that corrosion in the Bargman connector or in a wire splice somewhere in the system is a likely culprit, and it may also be possible that weak or mis-matched brake magnets might be involved in long-shot mode.

Good luck with your troubleshooting!

Kevin

[juel]

Thank you again. I will start looking for the problem with your suggestions. Is there anything you don't know about these trailers?

Do you perhaps know where I can order the vinyl insert for the rub rail? I have tried several RV dealers and Inland RV with no success. Judy

Originally Posted by overlander64

Greetings Juel!



There are a number of potential problems, but the two that I had with my '78 Minuet that produced similar symptoms were encountered shortly after I acquired the coach. The first was corrosion in the Bargman plug that resulted in an intermittent issue with brake operation. The second was a "ghost" that would reappear sporadically after encountering rough roads - - the culprit for this condition evaded capture for quite some time - - the brake wire had been misrouted during construction and had become pinched between the frame and underbelly (a new wire properly routed solved the problem). My suspicion is that corrosion in the Bargman connector or in a wire splice somewhere in the system is a likely culprit, and it may also be possible that weak or mis-matched brake magnets might be involved in long-shot mode.

Good luck with your troubleshooting!

Kevin

[overlander64]

Greetings Judy!

Originally Posted by juel

Thank you again. I will start looking for the problem with your suggestions. Is there anything you don't know about these trailers?

It is always a pleasure to be of assistance. You will surprise yourself as the longer you are around these coaches the more you will learn and remember about their peculiarities - - it also helps, in my case, to have Murphy (of Murphy's Law fame) as a near constant traveling companion.

Originally Posted by juel

Do you perhaps know where I can order the vinyl insert for the rub rail? I have tried several RV dealers and Inland RV with no success. Judy

Have you tried utilizing these part numbers originally posted by Brett G?

Originally Posted by thenewkid64

Part numbers:
201417 ½” Orange beltline insert
201418 1 ½” Orange rub rail insert
201092 ½” Black beltline insert
201091 1” Black Rub rail insert
200624 1 ½” Black Rub rail insert "

Since these numbers have been added rather recently, it may take finding a dealership parts person who is willing to make a phone call or inquiry to Airstream. I do know that the factory parts store at the International Rally in Lansing had a good supply of the Orange inserts. If you don't have success at the dealership level, I would suggest forwarding any inquiry to Airstream customer support via the following information quoted from the Airstream corporate website:

Before placing your call, please have the following information handy:

- Telephone number
- Specify trailer or motorhome
- Model year
- Last six digits of the Airstream serial number
- Brief description of problem or information needed

Speak To A Technical Assistance Representative:
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm, EST: 937-596-6111
Toll Free Automated Technical Support Line: 1-877-596-6505

Your call will be returned within 24 hrs.

Good luck with your quest for Orange insert!

Kevin