Brakes not working
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15673
Printed Date: 18 Jun 2025 at 8:51am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Brakes not working
Posted By: JohnnyMac
Subject: Brakes not working
Date Posted: 21 Apr 2023 at 6:25pm
|
I am new owner of a 2017 R-Pod model 178. I am using the CURT Echo smart Bluetooth brake controller for trailer brake usage. I had the Echo system installed by professionals. When I set it all up with the Trailer everything looks like the brakes are working. The brake controller is showing that it is doing what it's suppose to do as far as adjusting the brake intensity, etc. In other words it is showing that it is working as it should, only it's not. When I take it for test run, I am not getting any braking from the trailer ever though my brake controller is telling me that I am. It's like everything is working except the brake shoes are not activating. All lights also work good. Has anyone here had experience with the Echo Bluetooth set-up,...had god or bad luck with it? I have no idea when the last time the brakes were actually used on the trailer. I suppose the brake shoes could be a little frozen up and simply not able to move??? ------------- JonnyMac |
Replies:
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 21 Apr 2023 at 8:17pm
|
The brakes could be frozen up or there is grease/dirt on the shoes and/or the surface against which the magnet rides. Wires could be broken. There are lots of reasons why the brakes might not be working. Unfortunately, I can't help you with the controller. If you are not comfortable working on the brakes, take it some place to get them checked. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Rpodrrr
Date Posted: 21 Apr 2023 at 8:35pm
|
I did use one of those controllers so I’ve got a couple of questions for you: When placing your emergency flashers on with the vehicle parked do the brake lights on the trailer flash? If they do then listen at the trailer hub and you should hear the brakes pulsing on and off as the lights flash.. Second question: When hooked up to your trailer and slowly pulling forward. Punch the apps red button and hold it on. Do your brakes then drag? Also check the pins on you 7 pin connector ( both male and female sides) clean them up so you have really good connections ( I use a small nail file) and use some electrical connection grease to ensure positive connections. I found the unit did work well for me but not as good as a hardwired brake system.
|
Posted By: pedwards2932
Date Posted: 22 Apr 2023 at 10:46am
| Don't have your controller but when my brakes failed to wire connectors for the brakes had failed. I would do the checks that were suggested but also make sure the connectors haven't come loose. |
Posted By: JohnnyMac
Date Posted: 23 Apr 2023 at 6:11pm
Thats a good tip...(turning on flashers and listening for the pulsing of the brakes at the hubs). And yes, the flashers work on the trailer. I'll clean the 7 pin connectors too. I'll probably be wishing I spent the exra $$ and just had it hard wired. The installer did say they have not had any real negative feedback from past customers with these Bluetooth devices. Thnx. ------------- JonnyMac |
Posted By: JohnnyMac
Date Posted: 23 Apr 2023 at 6:53pm
Update. When I activate the flashers I do hear a pulse coming from the drivers side hub,..but nothing from the other side. In the next couple of days Im going to pull the hubs to look and see what I can determine is going on,. check everything out and pack the bearings while Im at it. ------------- JonnyMac |
Posted By: Rpodrrr
Date Posted: 23 Apr 2023 at 7:19pm
| Hey sounds like you’re on the right track then and one side is frozen up or wiring connections bad.on my 172 the brake wires come down the drivers side of the trailer and are joined at the wheel then cross over the axel to the passenger side. On a dry day I cleaned up and soldered then wiring to assist with bad connections. Since the drivers side is pulsing,I’m curious if before you pull the hub you get in the vehicle and crank the blue tooth setting up and do a small tug test if the drivers side wheel locks up. If not you should really pull both sides off for inspection. I’m just curious at this point prior to your efforts. Best of luck and it all sounds good news at this point. |
Posted By: JohnnyMac
Date Posted: 25 Apr 2023 at 12:52pm
I already decided to pull both sides off, do a complete inspection and pack the bearings, etc. Being a new (to me) rig, I wanna make sure those wheels, brakes and bearings are up to snuff. Seeing others out there off side of the road with a missing trailer wheel is not something I want to experience. Thnx for input! ------------- JonnyMac |
Posted By: JohnnyMac
Date Posted: 03 May 2023 at 7:51pm
Update,....I pulled both wheel drums. Good thing I did. One side that wasn't working at all had a broken wire, so obviously that was main reason it was not working. I repaired the broken wire, repacked the wheel bearings and put it all back together. The other side was operational but the pads were non existent. Just the metal that the pads used to be attached to.  I just decided to replace the entire back plate, with new everything,...pads, magnet, etc....new. About $160. I'll probably do the same with the other side in a few weeks just so they're both the same. Heading out on my first shake down cruise soon. ------------- JonnyMac |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 03 May 2023 at 8:01pm
|
Glad you found why the brakes were not working before you went on a long trip. Replacing the other side so both are the same would be good. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |