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Topic ClosedOff to a blazing start in Alabama
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MolliesPack View Drop Down
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Joined: 25 Jul 2016
Location: Hoover, Alabama
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Posts: 4 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Off to a blazing start in Alabama
    Posted: 16 Aug 2016 at 8:17pm
Again, thanks to all who replied.

The cable or wire that attaches to the plastic plug that, when pulled out, activates the emergency brake, was turned over to me at the dealership intertwined in one of the safety chains, and was never attached to anything, nor was I instructed to connect it to the TV.  I questioned that in my mind, but being a novice, I thought, "Oh well, they must know what they're doing."

When the plug came out, the brakes locked and ultimately burst into flames, I put the fire out and then looked at the plastic plug. It was dangling, completely loose from its socket.

I'm concerned that if it came loose once for no apparent reason, it could do it again.  Of course, this time I'd recognize that it wasn't the truck causing the problem, but the brakes locking on wet pavement could cause a problem.  

Thanks again!
David
David & Susan Eagan
Hoover, Alabama

2017 RP-178
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ToolmanJohn View Drop Down
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Posts: 451 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Aug 2016 at 8:24pm
 When you try to insert that plastic torpedo plug into the safety switch, you'll see how firm it is. It needs a very solid pull to remove it.  It should not be easy to do.

 The wire cable attaching it should be just long enough  to be clipped into the receiver like the safety chains. It should be free from the safety chains , sway bar, weight distributing hitch, or any other obstructions.  Good Luck!
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densmorema View Drop Down
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Joined: 25 Jul 2016
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Posts: 70 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Aug 2016 at 8:52am
My pod came with the safety wire in
the safety chain also, so far no problems but I will look at it again.
Mike and Cherie
Michigan
2015 R179 2016 silverado
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Posts: 70 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Aug 2016 at 1:35pm
Oh by the way, welcome to the forum and hope you have better luck in the future.

Mike and Cherie
Michigan
2015 R179 2016 silverado
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Posts: 1797 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Aug 2016 at 7:20pm
Originally posted by ToolmanJohn

 When you try to insert that plastic torpedo plug into the safety switch, you'll see how firm it is. It needs a very solid pull to remove it.  It should not be easy to do.

 The wire cable attaching it should be just long enough  to be clipped into the receiver like the safety chains. It should be free from the safety chains , sway bar, weight distributing hitch, or any other obstructions.  Good Luck!
q
+1. The safety wire should NOT be woven in the chain and SHOULD BE connected directly to the TV receiver. Many states require the safety wire be connected to the tow vehicle independent of the hitch. A medium carabiner works well for this attachment.
Charlie
Northern Colorado
OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD
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Posts: 70 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Aug 2016 at 4:52pm
So, after a second look at my safety cable I found that it was woven in the safety chain in a way that I don't think it would have came out and activated my breaks if the trailer came off the ball, nice. It would have probably slamed into the back of my truck when I applied the brakes. The dealer should have caught that, well I re routed the wire and everything should be ok.
Mike and Cherie
Michigan
2015 R179 2016 silverado
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mcarter View Drop Down
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Joined: 07 Apr 2016
Location: Greenbrier, TN
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Aug 2016 at 5:16pm
Techntrek - Need some splaining. If the brake switch is the longest attachment on the TV, and one has hitch failure. The safety chains should hold the Pod on the hitch (not ball). If the brake cable is longer than the safety chains, how would the brake ever activate? I was thinking the brake cable should be a bit shorter than the safety chains deployed at max length. Help me understand. Are you saying the e-brake should only be used when the POD becomes completely detached from the TV? THANKS
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Posts: 48 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Aug 2016 at 6:08pm
mcarter is right. think about it..but wheres the happy medium
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Joined: 25 Jul 2011
Location: Central KY
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Aug 2016 at 7:11pm
I have always figured the safety brake wire was only going to get pulled if the camper came completely loose. It's true the pod is going to bang it's tongue on the back of the tv if it comes uncoupled, but I think that is better then having the pods brakes lock up when only the chains are holding the thing to the truck.

I hope to never find out.
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Leo B View Drop Down
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Posts: 4508 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Aug 2016 at 7:13pm
Ditto. Not looking forward to finding out!
Leo & Melissa Bachand
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