Losing connection/contact

[Dave 430]

I'm using the Blue-Ox Patriot Brake System on my coach to toad. Several times while driving several hours, I get that all to familiar beep and the letter "C", meaning that the control in front has lost signal to the toad. My DW at first would panic, but since it happens so often and stops after a few seconds, it does not bother her as much now. I have no idea why it happens. We are not using any electronics (Cell Phone or Computer) and only the radio is on. Does anyone else have this problem or know of a simple adjustment to stop this? Thanks

[GaryKD]

Hi Dave 430,
Gut feel says you have 4 plugs to disassemble and check. Both ends of the umbilical cord are two plugs. The coach and toad mating plugs are the other two plugs. The interior connections may have come loose. When you tighten them consider using a bit of lock tite on the screws to keep them tight. This task is on my annual maintenance list.

[sfischer]

GaryKD
The Patriot system is wireless. There are no connections between the coach and toad for their braking system.

[Dave 430]

Gary...Thanks for the info, I will make sure all connections are tight.
SFischer...That is correct, it is wireless, but the small unit that sits on the dash, is the item that beeps and says there is a "connection problem."
As I type this the "Brain Lights" are coming on and what Gary said is probably correct...something is loose and as we are bumping down the road this connection is loosing contact and moments later it connects back. Boy is this going to be fun trying to find which wire connection is loose.
Thanks

[sfischer]

Actually it could mean that there is a communication error between the brake unit in the toad vehicle and the remote unit on your MH's dash. It might not be any loose connections to cause this. The only "connection" you have is the Patriot unit's plug into the 12 volt source in your toad. You can probably rule out the connection of the breakaway wire to the Patriot unit, because a bad connection here would just cause the LED light on the remote to not light. You wouldn't get the "C" error on the remote display. Good luck. Hopefully, you will be able to report back after you've solved the problem.

[GaryKD]

Hi Dave 430,
Sorry about not knowing your system is wireless. I know it has always worked fine and this just started, but consider ensuring the power to both sending and receiving units is >12.3 VDC. Is there a larger antenna that could be installed?

[Dave 430]

Gary...Neither unit has an antenna or a place to plug one into.
I will check the cigarette lighter and see what the Amp output is and
check everything I can.
Thanks guys for your input. Will report if I find out the problem or solve it.

[sfischer]

Dave430,
We also have the Patriot system and have experienced the same "C" error as you describe. It only occuts for a second or two and is random in occurence. I've never figured it out, but your instances seem to.occur much more frequently.