NHTSA Complaint #11531429 — 2023 BIG TEX 16GN

The contact owns a 2023 Big Tex Utility Trailer. The contact stated that the unloaded trailer was being towed by a 2018 Forest River Forester RV built on a 2017 Ford E-450 Chassis. The contact stated while driving and releasing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle began to roll, however, the trailer brakes failed to respond upon engaging the brake controller. The trailer was taken to the dealer, where an electrical tester was used to diagnose, but no issues were found. The contact stated that the electrical tester was not adequate for the diagnostics tests because the trailer was equipped with drum brakes; therefore, the electrical tester could not detect a mechanical failure. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who inspected the trailer brakes and informed the contact that the trailer brakes did not have self-adjustment capability, as advertised by the manufacturer, and the brakes needed to be adjusted manually. The mechanic manually adjusted the brakes and informed the contact that he needed to manually adjust the brakes as needed. The trailer was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1.