I had an incident the last time out. I turned a sharp corner and the emergency run away brake disengaged NOT from the receptacle but from where I had attached the loop...the plug remained in the receptacle! I re-attached the loop but the 5'er did not feel right as I towed and set up in my campsite. When I broke camp and dumped at the sani-station I thought I would disconnect the emergency run away brake from the receptacle and re-attach it. It was difficult to disengage but I managed to do it. It did not seem to do anything AND it did not "grab" when I re-inserted the plug (something I had experienced with past 5'ers I owned). I drove home but I believe that I was driving through an engaged electric brake. I believe that I may have damaged my transmission. I will first take in the 5'er to have it checked and then the beloved one ton. Any thoughts besides the obvious - ( I am an idiot). I sure hope I am wrong!
thebearII said
08:25 AM Sep 28, 2009
Sounds like in your sharp turn you may have pulled on the emergency cable enough to pull the plug partially out of the receptacle and then the other end of the cable let loose.
If you drove with a brake engaged it may have heated up the bearings, caused damage and now won't turn freely. Or the brake shoes are dragging due to the extreme heat and you've damaged springs.
Have all the trailer brakes and wheel bearings checked. The bearings may need to be repacked if not damaged.
Your transmission may have overheated, try replacing the fluid and filter first to see if that fixes any problem you're having. Make sure the torque converter is drained.
Good luck, hope it's a simple and cheap repair.
For the future, I make sure my cable is latched centered with the hitch and leave lots of play in the cable. I also make sure that if I carry anything in the bed, It is out of the way of the cable.
-- Edited by thebearII on Monday 28th of September 2009 08:29:06 AM
Luvglass said
08:28 AM Sep 28, 2009
I believe the emergency brake engages (grabs), when the plug is pulled from the receptacle and should release when it is re inserted. All this is of course when the electrical cable is attached to the truck. What you describe seems to be the opposite?
This has been our experience the few times it's come out on tight turns on banked shoulders. Really stops the truck in it's tracks.
Dr Gonzo said
10:00 PM Sep 28, 2009
Thanks guys! I will keep you posted. I have the 5'er in for a look see on Oct 4/09 and then I will deal with the truck
If you drove with a brake engaged it may have heated up the bearings, caused damage and now won't turn freely. Or the brake shoes are dragging due to the extreme heat and you've damaged springs.
Have all the trailer brakes and wheel bearings checked. The bearings may need to be repacked if not damaged.
Your transmission may have overheated, try replacing the fluid and filter first to see if that fixes any problem you're having. Make sure the torque converter is drained.
Good luck, hope it's a simple and cheap repair.
For the future, I make sure my cable is latched centered with the hitch and leave lots of play in the cable. I also make sure that if I carry anything in the bed, It is out of the way of the cable.
-- Edited by thebearII on Monday 28th of September 2009 08:29:06 AM
Thanks guys! I will keep you posted. I have the 5'er in for a look see on Oct 4/09 and then I will deal with the truck