NO BRAKES ; 2019 Oliver Elite II-Hull #448

[BoondockingAirstream]

Tomorrow will be my "BLUE MONDAY".  

Because I am an Ornery Old Coot:    "An elderly person, typically a man (Neanderthalman in my example), who is seen as grumpy, stubborn and out of touch with modern society".  (The fastslang.com definition.). 

I can easily pull a 12 to 18 gauge 'good copper wire'...  pull it under the Oliver, with the possibility of dying in the process.  I am a former 'Safety Man' without a cape.  I can also jump over 16 inch Michelin tires on wheels in one mighty leap... if my arms do not hurt.  And avoid hitting my forehead on my FOUR LEAF SPRING SUSPENSION...  Read that line over backwards, Pilgrims.

Already upgraded all the Electric Brake Wires, installed a new Break Away Switch (as the original was frozen up) AND the Wheels LOCKED UP like a constipated Angus Blue Bull north of Harrison, Nebraska. (Beautiful area west of Fort Robinson, Nebraska.)

 I will call it "Tickle the Oliver Belly Blue Wire Job". 

Boogie Man Night Time Story:  If  kids do not get to sleep right away, "the Boogie Man is coming..."   I am now the Oliver Elite II Boogie Man.

...and if this idea works or not... this will be my FINAL POSTon My Own Thread. (The Ornery that my Wife can appreciate.)

"Just for Kicks... Drive Route 66"... I say.

I will raise the price of #448 and look for a person who appreciates, "thinking outside the cage".  Maybe $5,000, more or less, will make the sweat equity.... Sweeter than Honey.  🙂

Edited August 18 by BoondockingAirstream

[Tom and Doreen]

The braking system in our Olivers is inherently simple and designed as such for reliability.  Like all things components can and do fail on occation but in most cases the failure is easily found.  Olivers have electric drum brakes, a description of which can be found here. Olivers do not have an ABS unit but otherwise the diagram contained in the link is correct. I think you've established that by pulling the brake-away pin that the brakes do in fact work which eliminates most of the wiring, magnets,  and the brakes themselves. That really just leaves connectors and your proportional controller ( truck side ).  There are methods for trouble shooting the remaining components one of which is to use a DVM to assure that voltages and connections are correct. There is a method to simulate the brake controller but unless done properly can cause more damage than good so in that case I would enlist the help of a friend with another truck / controller and see if that works. Do you have another Oliver or trailer owner near you, most are willing to help. 

[Ronbrink]

9 hours ago, BoondockingAirstream said:

Tomorrow will be my "BLUE MONDAY".  

Because I am an Ornery Old Coot:    "An elderly person, typically a man (Neanderthalman in my example), who is seen as grumpy, stubborn and out of touch with modern society".  (The fastslang.com definition.). 

As any remaining Neanderthal would likely seem! Perhaps the Neanderthal’s legacy will be conquering the BLUE WIRE, second only to the harnessing of FIRE for the good of all mankind, that is! 

[katanapilot]

With DC systems, 9 times out of ten the issue is with the ground wire(s).  Not always, but after 50+ years of working on cars and other things with DC power - this advice has served me well.  

[BoondockingAirstream]

Thank you for your suggestions.  

Where would this Ground Wire be found?  One bar has 14 or so, Yellow and White wires attached to it under the seat looking towards the mirror.  I checked those and all nuts were tight.  If it is not there,  good.  But... if it is in this group... I need to look closer.

 I know it is a WIRE ISSUE.  The problem is not the 7 Pin.  Not the Brakes attached to the Axles.  Something buried in between.  This will help others in the years to come.  I am just the one to... toss it out and see if someone hits a Home Run.  Thank You.  🙂

The wiring diagram of an Oliver Elite II leaves a lot for imagination... or to an employee of Oliver Inc. who can easily wire Olivers in HIS SLEEP.  As it has been done hundreds of times, and no doubt, all Olivers are pretty much alike. with Brakes.

My Question:  Does the Blue Brake Wire from the Seven Pin Plug to the front outside wheel... have a FUSE in line?  OR... is it hard wired from the Seven Pin Plug to the front outside wheel?

If there is a fuse. Where?

If is hard wired from the Seven Pin Plug directly to the Front Outside Wheel?

The ALL FOUR BRAKES WORK FINE.  All lock up pulling the Break Away Switch.

Again:  Does the Blue Wire inside the Olive run directly to the rear axle.  The ground is most likely at the Axle.

This Thread WILL HELP OTHERS, as well, if I am successful in using Neanderthal Logic of A to B and no detours from A (7 Pin) to the B (street side wheel wiring).

It will be a sad day in Oliver World, if I have to take my Oliver to my local Airstream Dealer who sold the 2019 Airstream to me and it remains... PERFECT.  I want my OLIVER to BE PERFECT.

Obvious to me this was a problem for the original owner and could not get it solved in Las Vegas, Nevada.  He did not respond to my phone call when discovering this issue.   That told me that IT was an ISSUE in 2019.  I want to give this Ollie... testicles... called Electric Brakes. 

 

Edited August 18 by BoondockingAirstream

[CRM]

6 minutes ago, BoondockingAirstream said:

My Question:  Does the Blue Brake Wire from the Seven Pin Plug to the front outside wheel... have a FUSE in line?  OR... is it hard wired from the Seven Pin Plug to the front outside wheel?

If there is a fuse. Where?

If is hard wired from the Seven Pin Plug directly to the Front Outside Wheel?

The ALL FOUR BRAKES WORK FINE.  All lock up pulling the Break Away Switch.

Again:  Does the Blue Wire inside the Olive run directly to the rear axle.  The ground is most likely at the Axle.

This Thread WILL HELP OTHERS, as well, if I am successful in using Neanderthal Logic of A to B and no detours from A (7 Pin) to the B (street side wheel wiring).

It will be a sad day in Oliver World, if I have to take my Oliver to my local Airstream Dealer who sold the 2019 Airstream to me and it remains... PERFECT.  I want my OLIVER to BE PERFECT.

Obvious to me this was a problem for the original owner and could not get it solved in Las Vegas, Nevada.  He did not respond to my phone call when discovering this issue.   That told me that IT was an ISSUE in 2019.  I want to give this Ollie... testicles... called Electric Brakes. 

 

The fuse for the blue wire is in your tow vehicle. Likely a auto reset breaker powering your brake controller. 

Have you tried running a ground wire from the frame of your tow vehicle to the trailer frame as I suggested? This will tell you if it's a ground issue or not without digging in to your wiring looking for an issue that might not even exist. 

[BoondockingAirstream]

On 8/18/2025 at 6:37 AM, CRM said:

The fuse for the blue wire is in your tow vehicle. Likely a auto reset breaker powering your brake controller. 

Have you tried running a ground wire from the frame of your tow vehicle to the trailer frame as I suggested? This will tell you if it's a ground issue or not without digging in to your wiring looking for an issue that might not even exist. 

Your comment helps me a lot and I will be 'onto' the Blue Wire from the Tow Vehicle to Travel Trailer this AM.  Airstream... works.  Olivier... does not.  Not the Tow Vehicle in my Opinion.  But will not know until this is... solved.

The 2019 Airstream has operated perfectly since 2019.  YOU HAVE TO BUY THE TRAILER... BEFORE THEY WILL DO ANY WORK ON IT ON THE LOT.  WARRANTY BEGINS AFTER PURCHASE AND THEN THE COMPANY PAYS THE DEALER.  (That is what I was told.). Made a Deposits... went through the Airstream and everything was taken care of that day.  Still perfect. 

Obviously the previous owner who bought the 2019 Oliver new... never would respond to my inquiries left on phone calls, the day after purchase. My radar was done after seeing this Wonderful Boondocking Ready Travel Trailer.  🙂

The Ball on the Tow Vehicle use to be the Ground between the Tow Vehicle and Trailer.  I also have the two Chains, as well.  

I will try to find a possible cut Blue Wire hidden among the massive bundles of wires.  The only option after running the Blue Wire Direct... is my Airstream Dealer in Henderson, Nevada. They added Solar, 3" Lift and went through the entire trailer on the lot. Still 100%.

The Oliver is almost... 100%.  Your point of the  "fuse for the Blue Wire is in your Tow Vehicle" helps me more than you can imagine.  This will also help others check for a Fuse in the Tow Vehicle, first.  Mine works for one 2019 trailer, but not this 2019 trailer.  I tow with a 2016 F350 Diesel 4x4 and easily tows and brakes the Oliver... but the brakes were... not cooperating at all.  

The previous owner's service provider is not talking.  They really ruined the Truma Hot Water unit.  My wife is a Human Bean and they are not interested in commenting about any work.  I just need to know... but left to figure it out on my own.

Anyone else had a Blue Wire Brake Issue?  You are helping everyone to understand.

 I am a Geologist... in the Open Country of Wyoming an individual has to fix, repair and understand.  Reading a quadrangle Map is a must.  Worked Two Years for OSHA in the remote work places in Wyoming... surprise inspections and investigate fatalities in the Lumber and Oil Patch in 1970-1972.  I was just out of the US Army after 1 year 9 months 28 days getting an Early Out after Vietnam was not needing more of us.  Been there.  Done it.  Now... need to Done IT again, by learning, doing and asking questions.

 

 

 

 

Edited August 20 by BoondockingAirstream

[CRM]

3 hours ago, BoondockingAirstream said:

The Ball on the Tow Vehicle use to be the Ground between the Tow Vehicle and Trailer.  I also have the two Chains, as well.  

The ball and emergency chains are not suitable grounds for an electronic braking system. Might be enough to operate LED taillights but then fail to provide a good enough ground with the amperage required to operate the brakes. 

Could be the reason why your controller recognizes the trailer when you first plug it in and then doesn't anymore once you manually activate the brakes at the controller?  

 

[Townesw]

I’ve not read the entire thread. @BoondockingAirstream when you apply the brakes in the tow vehicle do the brake lights light up on the rear of the Oliver?

Bill. 

[BoondockingAirstream]

8 minutes ago, Townesw said:

I’ve not read the entire thread. @BoondockingAirstream when you apply the brakes in the tow vehicle do the brake lights light up on the rear of the Oliver?

Bill. 

Yes.  All lights work.  Brake lights operate.  That is what fooled me several years ago... apply brakes... tail lights work.

[BoondockingAirstream]

52 minutes ago, CRM said:

The ball and emergency chains are not suitable grounds for an electronic braking system. Might be enough to operate LED taillights but then fail to provide a good enough ground with the amperage required to operate the brakes. 

Could be the reason why your controller recognizes the trailer when you first plug it in and then doesn't anymore once you manually activate the brakes at the controller?  

 

Going to try that right as soon as I get the F350 out and plugged to the Oliver.

[CRM]

8 minutes ago, BoondockingAirstream said:

Going to try that right as soon as I get the F350 out and plugged to the Oliver.

And if this doesn't work, there's one more thing you can try before I would recommend calling in a mobile mechanic to diagnose it for you- disconnect your blue wire from the 7 pin connector and run a new temporary one to the load (brake) side of the emergency disconnect switch. You know the wiring from the disconnect switch is good since your brakes work when the pin is pulled. If the brakes then work you know the problem is between the 7pin and where the blue wire is spliced to the disconnect switch wire. 

[BoondockingAirstream]

CRM...  I upgraded with new wiring through the Dexter Axles and replaced the two axle originals.  Neither were worn through the insulation, so no bare wires shorting the system.  In the process, ran insulated wires and inserted them through a flexible hose, nylon zip tied across each of the two axles.  Exterior, back side of each Axle, with Zip Ties.  Looks real... pretty.

Found a Blue Wire on the outside Rear Wheel brake wiring... hidden into the plastic cover in the fender well.  The wire was connected to a WHITE going to the Brakes.  (Nancy was following the Seven Pin Cords into the Oliver.  She is one Hot Oliver Chick Wire Hunter.  I say.  A good woman that gets into the situation is RARE.  She is a KEEPER.

Then had Nancy spin the tires on the Left... pull the Breakaway Switch... and LOCKED.  Then the right side... same routine... and LOCKED.

Now... going to attach the Oliver, with the Aluminum Shanked Weigh Safe with the 2" Ball, as soon as close this post.  Not running a Ground Wire from the F350 to the Oliver.   I purchased the 2019 27 foot FBQ Signature Airstream, that we added a 3" Lift, Two Solar Panels and went to 16" Sendel Wheels, 16 inch Michelin tires (Like the Oliver FROM the Factory... that already has the high clearance.)

A previous Forum Member said that using the Aluminum Shank Weigh Safe, possibly no Ground.  Nancy called Weigh Safe and was on hold. I am getting older and my nasal hairs just began to grow out of control... so enough is enough.

 Or the conversations are... interesting?  Weigh Safe's?

The BONUS of the Oliver Elite II... is the.... DOUBLE AXLE, LEAF SPRINGS, 16" MICHELIN TIRES AND SENDEL WHEELS and CLEARANCE.  The Interior Storage is comparable to larger Airstreams.  Owning a 23', 25' and now a 27'... the Oliver Elite II is our favorite... with the double axles.  The 27 foot Airstream may be 700 pounds heavier than the Oliver Elite II.  The Oliver Elite II is built to last.  The shortest Airstream with Double Axles is a 23 foot.  Had one... also a great travel trailer.

Obvious to Nancy and I.... these Brakes may have never worked properly with the first Owner.  We have followed wiring and none of it makes any sense.  Of course... riding an Arabian Horse the first time... is a similar experience.  Don't wear tight pants... I say.  On the Horse or under an Oliver.  OK?  Free Advice.  Buzz Off and enjoy your day.  It was only 108F today. Great to be UNDER the Oliver and putting my tools back onto a shelf.

Sorry that this post is so short. 🙂  I am no longer sweating, I thought I was under the Oliver and Kissed by an Angel... it was one of our Cattle Dogs licking me... and I have had 72 ounces of water already.  That is another issue... to make this short.

Maybe the Oliver Fairy Brake Princess will bless our Oliver?  

Probably not... but thanks for participating.  I see a Book being outlined on this Ordeal. With illustrations, too.  About kissing something... or other.

 

Edited August 20 by BoondockingAirstream

[katanapilot]

Sorry if this has been suggested before as I haven't read this entire thread -   have you tried applying a robust (like either a regulated power supply or from a car battery) 12 volt DC power source to pins 1 & 2 on the trailer side 7 pin?  If that doesn't work it would narrow the fault location down quite a bit.  And have you checked continuity from pin 2 at the 7 pin to the blue wire splice location?  

[BoondockingAirstream]

... katanapilot....  I am the guy who tests 9 volt batteries with my tongue.  For good or bad.  I hope the Tooth Fairy makes a mistake and leaves me some CASH under my Oliver.  My electrical equipment is for users under 15 years old.

Edited August 20 by BoondockingAirstream

[BoondockingAirstream]

Here is the 'SCOOP'. Finished all of the BRAKE Wiring replacing the Wires through the Dexter Axles. They were not shorting out.  Finished connecting ALL of the Brake Wires to Brake Drums.  

Towing the Airstream... brake system works, towed behind the F350. Steel Equalizer. "Trailer Connected".  Manual and Brake Pedal Brakes work.

Towing the Oliver... "Trailer Connected".  It does not change... until I use the "MANUAL BRAKE OPTION".  Then says "Trailer Disconnected".  Nancy called 'Weigh Safe'... and was on hold... she must have passed out as she did not move from her seat.  Maybe good 'Music'?  Or an Engineer selling Trailer Parts promotions?  She was going to ask if the 'Aluminum Shank needed a Ground'.  The F350 never Leaves the Ground...  Someone on the Forum tossed that out.  A real curve ball... and who knows...  I liked to pitch a Curve Ball just after a low slow sucker ball.  You Little League guys know what I mean...

7 way plug connection just swapped out with a new one. Secure wiring.  Tight and Bright... all tail lights... working.  Brakes are the ONLY PIA.

Trailer is GROUNDED with Two large diameter Cables from Oliver Frame to F350 Frame.

*F350 and 27FBQ Airstream get along just fine.  IF I use the F350 Manual control and IT BRAKES.*

The Oliver Elite needs a Spanking.   This may be a Factory Issue from the Beginning.  

My Short Story:  Original Owner signed the Title.  Took the Cashier's Check from the Bank... Rode into the Sunset.  All I ask for are the brakes to work. They are still attached to the Axles with good wiring.   

Edited August 20 by BoondockingAirstream

[Geronimo John]

On 8/14/2025 at 2:18 PM, BoondockingAirstream said:

am the Messenger.  Everyone has a choice.  I look.  I saw.  I removed and upgraded.

Well done!

GJ

[katanapilot]

Wow. Just wow.  

[BoondockingAirstream]

19 hours ago, BoondockingAirstream said:

If I could recall everything I said... it had to be...?  Give me a Multiple Choice TEST.  

The BEST part were all of the WONDERFUL OLIVER OWNER's adding their comments and experience. I hope everyone had Fun and learned something in the chaos, as well.  The learning curve is exactly that....  I am temporarily at the end of my Wire.  Someone may have had a similar situation and KNOWS the FIX. This was, no doubt, something from day one.

 

Edited August 20 by BoondockingAirstream

[BoondockingAirstream]

Waiting for that 'hot thing in the sky' to... drop below the mountains.  An uncomfortable 115F degrees.  If it were Centigrade I would not be typing... if you know what I mean.  Think POTATO AND FRENCH FRIES.  OK?

BLUE Wire showed up between the street side axles.  Wire showing was white.  Then Nancy opened the black wire shield, for the lack of a Travel Trailer term... found a white wire that did not belong there.... and Lordy be... BLUE WIRE and Wiring.

If this is the case... this Oliver never had much braking.  The previous owner had a F250 and I a 2016 F350 Diesel 4x4 with shell, three Cattle Dogs, a Human Bean and a Neanderthal driving.

If you encounter a bad wiring job... this could be the #1 to find.  Now... you are e.d.u.c.a.t.e.d.  Once it cools down below 100F... I am pulling wire from the Seven Pin Plug that I replaced... AND being a Neanderthal Genius of Sorts...  added a long wire to the Blue inside, so I can attach to the 7 Pin, Secure it up to where the cord enters the Oliver.... run it along side the Frame, some Zip Ties to secure from friction... strip the end wires... and... once everything is secured.... well... I will hold off commenting until the curtain is raised.  OK?

Maybe I will just lay back, watch some Television, drink a lot of H2O (Hydrous Oxide) and Finish this tomorrow Morning.  I do not want all of you to 'toot your  own horns' prematurely.  Give Nancy most of the credit as she found the BLUE... concealed as a WHITE.

 These brakes obviously have not been used and are LIKE NEW, if this is the case.  Help from Brett and Mike at Oliver Inc. in Tennessee and Mike Neal of Mike Neal's RV Center in Orem, Utah with a new Oliver Elite II on the lot.

ALL, now agree, it HAS TO BE the BLUE WIRE.  That is all that is left.  Recall the old tune: Red and Yellow, Black and White?  My tune is Blue Moon of Kentucky- Elvis did his version on a 78RPM Record?  🙂

Edited August 22 by BoondockingAirstream

[jd1923]

2 hours ago, BoondockingAirstream said:

Waiting for that 'hot thing in the sky' to... drop below the mountains.  An uncomfortable 115F degrees.  If it were Centigrade I would not be typing... if you know what I mean.  Think POTATO AND FRENCH FRIES.  OK?

You need to get some elevation!

Was in the mid 90s today. We had our 3rd brief Monsoon rain for the season after 10 months of drought.

Sitting pretty at 5440 ft, and now at 7:30PM it’s 67F now, windy with a drizzle, turned off the A/C, opened the windows.

Life is Good! 🤣

Edited August 22 by jd1923

[BoondockingAirstream]

Hey jd1923.... You are looking down at Denver, Colorado by a short downtown Prescott, two story building..  

Denverites  had to go up a few steps at the Capital Building to be called... The Mile High City.  They cheated... about 5,278 or so feet padding the numbers due to erosion? 

Denver... 5280 feet.  Cheyenne 6200 feet  (6138... they cheated as well).  Laramie, WY 7200 feet.

We tow the Oliver into the 7,500 to 11,000 feet elevation. Trailers do not care.  Tire PSI does not give a hoot, as well.  Tent Campers get frost on their pumpkins in a tent, while we have the windows in the Oliver cracked open to taste... thin air.  Should can it and sell it to citizens in Prescott...  thin air smells sweet.  Feed Lots in north central Colorado are around 5500 feet... and it is not Spring in the Air... if you know what I mean.

Don't get me started with PSI in Michelin Tires.  I am focused on Blue Wire in the next day or so.  Many Oliver Elite Owners prefer 70psi to 80psi as it makes the trailer taller.  We are happy to get 70psi... PURE THIN AIR when in Leadville, Colorado PSI at 10,158 feet.  Weighs half as much as your Hot Air in Prescott.  Put that in you whistle and blow a Yankee Doodle tune...

Rather squeaky compared to THIN AIR.

Wires... oh yes.  When the Oliver manual says BLUE WIRE...  no wonder the previous owner was confused looking for Blue.  Now all of you Ollie's are confused with Ollie's: Fresh & Healthy, Human Grade Dog  Food.  Or  the Good Stuff Cheap Discount Store.  So be careful when bragging about an Ollie.  Use the proper name... Oliver the British Musical... it will not give you a stomach ache.... 🙂

Oliver the Musical.  Oliver Twist.  Geez...  Google Ollie... and you will prefer Oliver after this message.  Geologists have a lot of time when pounding a rock hammer against gold nuggets on the side of a Mountain.  Too heavy to take home, of course.

 Dog Food or Travel Trailer.  Our Blue Heelers love the Oliver.  As long as there is a cold Beer in the Fridge...." Frankly, my Dear... don't give a damn" and walked off looking to find his Ollie... the Travel Trailer.  Don't know Frank... but who cares?

Had a long couple days wiring the Oliver.  O. L. I. V. E. R.  OK?  Knock knock, what's in between those ears?  80psi?   

 

 

Edited Friday at 01:39 PM by BoondockingAirstream

[BoondockingAirstream]

I can relate to a woman delivering a baby... I was within 20% of relating... which is enough for me.  I feel the cramps and if this does not deliver Manual Braking... so much for the Blue Wire.  Blue for male.  Pink for Female.  Yep... going Blue to White or if need be, the Blue.

Strung 15 feet of insulated cord, three wire above the Frame.  Just like the factory.  I added more as I can always cut it shorter... but do not carry a 'Wire Stretcher' in my pant pocket.  You know... measure twice, cut once... most of the time.   That is...

Extra cord at both ends.  Just in case.  Not like the Factory... but if this is the FIX... it never worked. 

The Sun is not up.  But it is scheduled to do its thing... as always.  Well... you never know.  🙂

Edited Friday at 01:48 PM by BoondockingAirstream

[BoondockingAirstream]

Finished REWIRING what seemed to be the entire Oliver Elite II Brake System... with FEET of insulated wire.  The Brakes themselves are probably like new... as they never did work.  Which now, for me, is great. 🙂

Today... after finishing our final wiring... connected the F350 Ford Diesel 4x4 and... Trailer Connected and adjust the Gain 5...  and went on a 'final test drive'.  Gain of 5 or 6 should work as the Brakes obviously had NO WEAR. The previous owner could not have had Brakes.  Otherwise they would have been working.

Going to our favorite locals Railroad Pass Casino just west of Boulder City, Nevada... get a ice cold Draft Beer and play 5 cent three hand Video Poker.

Anyone want to guess what the problem was at the beginning?  A Service Tech could rewire this in less than two hours.  

Thank you all for participating.  This is an education for all of us.  Human Beans may want to guess... and if you are close to what the FIX WAS... I will post the solution after everything seems to be a FINAL FIX....    If a Neanderthal can do it, you can as well.   I will give it a few days... and as they say "Spill the Beans".🙂

Edited Friday at 10:12 PM by BoondockingAirstream

[katanapilot]

Four pages of mostly nonsensical diatribes.  Plenty of help offered. 

 “I’ll tell you what the fix was.  Maybe.  Someday.  If I feel like it”.

Can’t believe I even bothered to read most of this and offer advice.