Brake grounding connections

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Tom in NM
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Last seen: 1 week 3 days ago
Joined: 06/07/2020 - 18:17
Brake grounding connections

I wanted to highlight an issue I've encountered. I ordered my 2021 13' with brakes (built in the second half of 2020) and I've been pleased with them. 

Two years ago while doing some other maintenance, I noticed a dangling wire with a connector by the drivers side wheel. It turned out to be the grounding wire for the brakes. I thought it was a fluke, drove a self-tapping screw into the frame and secured the wire. I don't know how long it was disconnected but the brakes on that side would have been inoperative during that period. 

Today I was repacking the wheel bearings and noticed the grounding wire on the passenger side was loose. Investigating I discovered the connector was not screwed to the frame but rather riveted. And when I was examining it, the rivet disintegrated and the connector and wire fell off. Again, I've now secured it with a proper bolt. I can't imagine why an important electrical connection would be secured with a pop rivet.   

For those with brakes, I'd suggest you check this. I think all the Scamps now come with brakes so perhaps the wiring now is done differently. Hope so. 

Edit: I was told the brakes on my trailer were self-adjusting so I didn't focus on that as a maintenance task. Turns out mine are not. I'm betting all the newer ones are. Just an FYI.