Backing Up.Loud Grinding Bump Noise

[Pappystoy]

What is that? We backed into the yard where it has not been moved since we bought it. The noise sound is coming from around wheel axels or near the center of TT.

Our first TT and trying to learn as few things the hard way as possible. So far most has been the hard way just bringing it home. Almost swayed off road or into semi's.

We also learned our passenger van is number one for flip over deaths. So more expense 'Road Master Active Suspension Kit'. It is safer since we took out all seats when we bought the van 13yr.s ago. And of course we have never had it loaded with passenger's, just camping stuff.
A new Receiver and hitch since our receiver was driven under by rear end wreck years ago.

Learned lots from the site.

[Pappystoy]

NOISE GONE! . While I was in here starting this new thread he was disconnecting the TT electric brakes. No more noise backing up!!

So lesson learned is disconnect brakes from TT before backing up. Or it worked for us.

[Cumminsfan]

You have an issue if you need to disconnect the brakes. After owning 3 trailers I've never needed to disconnect the brakes. You may have an issue with your brrakes, like something broke or not aligned right. I would take it back to the dealer and have them look at it and see what the noise is. The only noise I ever get is from the axles/springs/equalizer getting twisted when in a turn. The brakes will sometimes make a clanking noise but that's just the magnets releasing the shoes.

[hohenwald48]

You should not have to disconnect brakes to back up. Some folks rest their foot on the brake pedal when backing and that would cause the trailer brakes to engage. Also, something could be mis-wired causing the trailer brakes to be applied when the backup lights come on. Additionally, I'd check the bearings and make sure there is not a problem in that area. Pretty easy to pop off the dust covers and have a quick look.

[lynnmor]

Probably has the brakes connected or shorted to the center backup light terminal. Not much else written sounds good about his setup.

[wingnut60]

Yeah, something is applying juice to the braking system when the backup lights are on...
Do your backup lights (if you have them on the trailer) come on when you apply the brakes? Might check...

[Pappystoy]

Guess I celebrated too soon. Should have known it couldn't be something as simple as disconnected the brakes.. So far it has been one surprise after another, hope we live long enough to make up for it.
Taking it to the dealer is not an option, don't like the way they jerked things around, if it ain't broke it may be after a visit there. Maybe son will visit and help hubby check it out.
Thanks for more good news,

[spinroch]

Did you look for a Smart Car wedged under the rear bumper?

[Superslif]

At what point did you dis-connect the brakes? meaning did you unplug the 7 pin connector between tow vehicle and RV before backing into the driveway.

So lesson learned is disconnect brakes from TT before backing up. Or it worked for us.

No you should not have to unplug the brakes until you are in your final parking spot, then you will choke or block the RV wheels, and then disconnect the brake cord from the tow vehicle.

Two noises you might be hearing #1 if your vehicle and RV are not level or the driveway you are backing up into is not very level, one of the axles on the RV might have less friction on the pavement causing that axles brakes to skid a little. Or #2 your brake controller might be set a little too high. RV trailer brakes are electric brakes as a vehicle are hydraulic. Electric brakes are going to be more touchy and make a clicking sound when applied.

There are some times when I'm backing into my driveway or a campsite I might lower the sensitivity setting on my brake controller so the brakes are not as touchy at "low speeds"

[garbonz]

The magnets in the hub will rub and make a racket. If there is no resistance to backing up, it may not be a problem at all. The entire brakes should be disassembled, inspected and lubricated. Jack up the axle remove the wheel and pull the drum and look. Lots of YouTube on doing this exact thing. Gonna get a little greasy re packing the bearings.

[raineman]

I would get it to the dealer asap.

[Pappystoy]

Originally Posted by lynnmor

Probably has the brakes connected or shorted to the center backup light terminal. Not much else written sounds good about his setup.

Could you explain your comment? We would appreciate anything you can add to help us learn about TT use.

Brakes are electric and adjustable so we are still reading about brakes an everything else.

[Pappystoy]

Originally Posted by Superslif

At what point did you dis-connect the brakes? meaning did you unplug the 7 pin connector between tow vehicle and RV before backing into the driveway.

No you should not have to unplug the brakes until you are in your final parking spot, then you will choke or block the RV wheels, and then disconnect the brake cord from the tow vehicle.

Two noises you might be hearing #1 if your vehicle and RV are not level or the driveway you are backing up into is not very level, one of the axles on the RV might have less friction on the pavement causing that axles brakes to skid a little. Or #2 your brake controller might be set a little too high. RV trailer brakes are electric brakes as a vehicle are hydraulic. Electric brakes are going to be more touchy and make a clicking sound when applied.

There are some times when I'm backing into my driveway or a campsite I might lower the sensitivity setting on my brake controller so the brakes are not as touchy at "low speeds"

Originally Posted by garbonz

The magnets in the hub will rub and make a racket. If there is no resistance to backing up, it may not be a problem at all. The entire brakes should be disassembled, inspected and lubricated. Jack up the axle remove the wheel and pull the drum and look. Lots of YouTube on doing this exact thing. Gonna get a little greasy re packing the bearings.

Thanks yall. We haven't pulled anything since 2005 so he forgot to back off on manual controller. And adjust them for this new trailer. We have towed boats many times but only a TT once to set up while building house.
Will let yall know after we try again so far hasn't been anywhere since we bought it last month.

[wingnut60]

So, you had the brake controller dialed all the way up? Still shouldn't be a problem unless you had your foot on the brake pedal...