Trailer "jumps/hops/skids" When Braking Empty/Light Load

Does the abs light on the dash ight up?

I'm just guessing here. But it sounds like the tractor is stopping harder or faster than the trailer. The sudden stop of the tractor is causing the bounce.

I would check out the brake adjustment First.

 

Check the crack air pressure on the valves. And / or your tractor protection valve. Sounds like trailer is getting too much air when you apply the brakes. Brake adjustment could be also a problem, but with self adjusting brakes they should all be the same.

 

I once had this problem. The solution after spending a ton of money trying to figure it out was to sell the trailer.

 

Too much air in the air bags will cause it. Check height valve. Otherwise it’s the greatest mystery of all time. I had one that did it. Replaced ECU/Valve unit. That fixed it for a short while. After that, a hard stab on the pedal would Somehow reset it, and make them stop locking up. It’s a common and dangerous thing, especially when it’s raining or snowing.