On a recent trip through NSW we were 8klms from Howlong when I had to brake fairly hard, not an emergency stop but hard enough. Thr rig failed to respond with the usual pattern of braking that I am used to, but did complete the stop. I checked the Prodigy controller which showed NC, (no connection). Pulled off the road checked plug and connections, couldn't find a problem and we still had indicators, and stop lights working on the van. After 20mins of searching I decided that a slow trip to Jayco Albury might be a good idea. Thinking it might be a faulty controller they hooked a new one up with the same result. The auto elec then went for a scout around underneath the van and, lo and behold, some of the the wires to the electric brakes were severed. We have no idea how this occurred, the general concensus being that a stone or piece of wood had bounced up and done the dirty deed. I post this to the forum in the view that it may assist someone else in the future as if I had been thinking straight I would have probably been able to reconnect them with insulating tape. After 25yrs of caravanning I can now add something else to the list!!!
Sounds like a lucky escape Magnarc. Just shows how good your tug brakes are.
I had a, well, similar but not similar thing happen around March 2015 while travelling the Princes Hwy through Gippland into south coast NSW. A squeak developed and on investigation at my destination, NO VAN BRAKES. Faulty brakes on the van was the problem.
I had been driving up and down and around hills for two days with only the tug's brakes. I didn't feel like there was a problem behind me all that time. Good brakes on your tug are very important.
Keep Safe out there mate.
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Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
On a recent trip through NSW we were 8klms from Howlong when I had to brake fairly hard, not an emergency stop but hard enough. Thr rig failed to respond with the usual pattern of braking that I am used to, but did complete the stop. I checked the Prodigy controller which showed NC, (no connection). Pulled off the road checked plug and connections, couldn't find a problem and we still had indicators, and stop lights working on the van. After 20mins of searching I decided that a slow trip to Jayco Albury might be a good idea. Thinking it might be a faulty controller they hooked a new one up with the same result. The auto elec then went for a scout around underneath the van and, lo and behold, some of the the wires to the electric brakes were severed. We have no idea how this occurred, the general concensus being that a stone or piece of wood had bounced up and done the dirty deed. I post this to the forum in the view that it may assist someone else in the future as if I had been thinking straight I would have probably been able to reconnect them with insulating tape. After 25yrs of caravanning I can now add something else to the list!!!
Hi Magnarc,
Well Well Well. Their you go. What Did I say back in December when we got our new van home. All brake leeds exposed. Jayco said it's OK.
Not by my way of thinking. I encased all four sets with split conduit and taped over all.
Sooner then later some poor soles will lose their life for manufactures taking short cuts and where will the Coronner lay the blame.
Time Manufactures sit up and listen.
Jim
-- Edited by Hey Jim on Tuesday 10th of May 2016 08:16:11 PM
Its not just Jayco that have wiring and water pipes glued (or similar) on the underside of the van with absolutely no protection from stone "flick".
This seems to be the quality for most vans, including mine, a Supreme. It would be so easy for the makers to run the cables alongside the top edge of the chassis if they cant afford to cover them in conduit and saddle clip them on properly.
Jim - so long as people continue to buy RVs, manufacturers will never listen to these sorts of comments and do something about it
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Cheers Bruce
The amazing things you see when nomading Australia
Can also be caused by the suspension'rock roller'going up at the front or back and the other tyre dropping down. If the wiring is a little tight, then it will snap.
Had the same problem on a Windsor some years ago, Don't know how many days we travelled without van brakes!
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Glen
A diesel Nissan Pathfinder towing a Coromal Element 542.
As I depart anywhere we have been camped even if the tug has not been unhitched I apply the van brakes manually to ascertain their working condition.
The reason I now do this as I had a similar incident like the OP. Also without mishap.
Again when camped and with little to do I now visually check the underside of the van. Springs , axles etc as well as elec connections. Yep to be sure to be sure
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I was tired yesterday and I'm tired today betcha I'm retired tomorrow. he he.
As I depart anywhere we have been camped even if the tug has not been unhitched I apply the van brakes manually to ascertain their working condition.
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I do the same. One recent trip the brakes failed to work. I thought maybe the 12 pin plug was not locked in, but no. I decided to travel to destination bearing in mind the lack of trailer brakes and no hilly sections. The problem turned out to be the controller had been bumped, or changed accidentally. Maybe when the kids borrowed the Pajero they had a play with the controller!!! Blamed them, they weren't here!!! Another valuable lesson, have the controller instructions in the glove box.
to be sure 
