Trailer brakes not working

[Bobbie54]

Originally Posted by Rossue

Did you get the Primus from ETI? For very little more a P3 is a much better choice.

No. I got it where I had the hitch done.

[Bobbie54]

Update- had a friend help and checked the wiring. Definitely was getting a signal almost all the way to the car side of the plug. Then there was a slight crimp in the wire so it may be it is shorting out there, unclear. Not in a place that they likely crimped it when putting the car up to do the tires so more likely it was just installed that way. My friend straightened it out and I was thinking it had to be the trailer plug so after a brief discussion of whose 5 o'clock was the brake signal, I adjusted the trailer plug side a bit and then we got brakes. Road-tested and both manual and foot brakes worked.

The plug seems very loose, though, even when pushed in tightly. Is there anything better than tape to keep it in place? Thinking of replacing it anyway or having it done. Car side plug is new so I doubt it is the problem.

[skiman]

Originally Posted by Bobbie54

Update- had a friend help and checked the wiring. Definitely was getting a signal almost all the way to the car side of the plug. Then there was a slight crimp in the wire so it may be it is shorting out there, unclear. Not in a place that they likely crimped it when putting the car up to do the tires so more likely it was just installed that way. My friend straightened it out and I was thinking it had to be the trailer plug so after a brief discussion of whose 5 o'clock was the brake signal, I adjusted the trailer plug side a bit and then we got brakes. Road-tested and both manual and foot brakes worked.

The plug seems very loose, though, even when pushed in tightly. Is there anything better than tape to keep it in place? Thinking of replacing it anyway or having it done. Car side plug is new so I doubt it is the problem.

I had a recent thread about my plug being loose on my Silverado. The Bargman plug on the trailer does not fit well into the Silverado which has a Pollak made receptacle. I bought a couple of other brand plugs and they fit great. I was ready to replace the plug, A couple of replies suggested a wrap of duct tape. Put a wrap of electrical tape and fits much better. I also used Camco Multiclamp. Casita supplies these when you buy a trailer. Between tape and Multiclamp I am good. Use the clamp around plug and door on the receptacle.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Bobbie54]

I had it taped when I was having trouble with it and it did not help. Plus it makes unplugging a hassle. I don't get what the clamp does- where does it go?

[Bobbie54]

Also not sure what you mean by a wrap of duct tape? One the plug? Securing plug ends together? (That's what I did.)

[float5]

You know that there are little parts on the plugs to keep them in place, right? So I am supposing that those pieces are not fitting together right for some reason?

[Bobbie54]

Yes, but those little parts do not hold together very tightly if the plug itself fits too loosely.

[thoer]

Bobbie - I have had very good luck with the two sided Velcro wrapped tightly around the lid and plug. It is easy to put on and off and has held tightly for me since I started using it. As long as you can keep the tab on the lid tightly against the corresponding tab on the plug it will all hold together.

Our 2008 Tacoma used to have a very strong spring on the lid and it was much better than the after market one the dealer installed on our Highlander.

[Fox hunt]

the one one my truck is solid but the one on my Toyota was loose i wrapped electrical tape around the plug lid to hold it down and keep the plug in place - a Velcro strap sounds like a great idea!

[Bobbie54]

Originally Posted by thoer

Bobbie - I have had very good luck with the two sided Velcro wrapped tightly around the lid and plug. It is easy to put on and off and has held tightly for me since I started using it. As long as you can keep the tab on the lid tightly against the corresponding tab on the plug it will all hold together.

Our 2008 Tacoma used to have a very strong spring on the lid and it was much better than the after market one the dealer installed on our Highlander.

Great idea! A lot easier than removing tape and should hold well.

[skiman]

Originally Posted by Bobbie54

Also not sure what you mean by a wrap of duct tape? One the plug? Securing plug ends together? (That's what I did.)

The tape goes around the barrel of the plug to make the fit tighter. It does not get removed. The Silverado has a little door that opens and the latches over the plug. The Handiclamp goes around the door and plug and hold them together. I'll take a picture tomorrow when I hook up.

[Bobbie54]

Oh, I get the tape now, that may help. Thanks.

[goalie39]

Another option to secure the plug are those giant twist ties. I use the 12" version from Nite Ize and it works great.
https://www.amazon.com/Nite-Ize-Orig...e+ize+gear+tie

[cpaharley2008]

Big rubber band.....

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Big rubber band.....

Hi: cpaharley2008... Sounds like a good name for a musical group!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[dfandrews]

Originally Posted by escape artist

Hi: cpaharley2008... Sounds like a good name for a musical group!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

The group was from Ventura County: "T.C. and the Rubber Band".

Only gig I ever saw them at was the County Fair.

[bigalaska2012]

Originally Posted by Rossue

Did you get the Primus from ETI? For very little more a P3 is a much better choice.

Yes it is

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-J320A using Tapatalk

[Bobbie54]

I have a Primus, where and why I got it is no longer relevant to the discussion unless it quits working (which it turns out is not the case). But curious as to why the P3 is better- they do the same thing, the same way.

[skiman]

This is what Casita supplies. Works good after shimming up plug with tape.

[Bobbie54]

I get it, thanks. My friend wants to set all the gaps on the plug and straighten the previously kinked wire, and I'll add the tape and some kind of clamp to keep it on- that should do the trick, I hope.