another idea I had...

[hrdwrkingacguy]

My trailer has surge breaks...and conveniently my storage space is up hill...it seems like every other time I pull into my spot I need to unplug and replug in my harness(which is all new)...I think its water that causes my reverse solenoid not to see power...

I want to install a red LED on the trailer to tell my GF/spotter that the brakes are disabled...is drilling a 3/8" hole on a trailer a bad thing? Another post said any holes weakens a trailer...I just want a light wired after the harness that tells us the solenoid is disengaged...I just don't want it hanging there or wrapped in tape or anything kinda hokey...

 

[90stingray]

Re: another idea I had...

What is the purpose of the light? I understand what for, but why? Either way a hole will be fine. Is your trailer boxed or c channel?

 

[hrdwrkingacguy]

Re: another idea I had...

trailer is boxed...

I can't really explain it but at my storage space I have to back in around a building and cut it hard to get between a huuuuuggggge RV and a truck and trailer thats covered and never moves...And BTW its basically uphill...My surge brakes are really sensitive and the back wheels lock up...I'd just like a light on the trailer that's on the trailer side of the wiring harness that says my reverse solenoid is powered and its all good...If its not my GF can see it and let me know before I get into trouble...There is a point where its a bastard to have to stop and get out to fix it...

BTW i've tried everything to make the connection better...everything is new...water gets into it or something and the connection is sketchy...It even has di-electric grease in the plug...

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: another idea I had...

Have you ever seen a bolted trailer? they have holes all over them. The coupler itself is usually bolted through four 1/2 inch holes in the tongue. Drilling a single 3/8 hole close to the coupler (I suppose) probably won't affect the strength of the tongue any.

 

[hrdwrkingacguy]

Re: another idea I had...

Have you ever seen a bolted trailer? they have holes all over them. The coupler itself is usually bolted through four 1/2 inch holes in the tongue. Drilling a single 3/8 hole close to the coupler (I suppose) probably won't affect the strength of the tongue any.

This is what I thought until a few weeks ago when someone asked a similar question and a few people said not to drill holes in a trailer...

 

[H20Rat]

Re: another idea I had...

why not just convert it to manual operation instead of a solonoid? get out, put pin in, and back up without issue and zero chance of your brakes kicking in?

 

[Bob's Garage]

Re: another idea I had...

In stead of a red light, why not install a waterproof back up light. This will serve 3 purposes;

*It will tell your GF that the connection is good,
*It will tell other drivers that you are backing up if placed in the back of the trailer
*And it will help you see at night when reversing

I did this on my rig after being unable to see when going for a night cruise and it works well.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: another idea I had...

Perhaps your bad connection is weak contacts in the harness connector.
Or corrosion.
On my flat four connectors, once in a while I have to push a small center punch or similar into the male connectors.
This expands them a bit so they bite good when connected with the female connectors.

The terminals on the five, six and seven ways can also be manipulated to get a better bite too.
They might use a good polishing with some emery cloth too.

 

[Lawnmedic]

Re: another idea I had...

My trailer has surge breaks...and conveniently my storage space is up hill...it seems like every other time I pull into my spot I need to unplug and replug in my harness(which is all new)...I think its water that causes my reverse solenoid not to see power...

I want to install a red LED on the trailer to tell my GF/spotter that the brakes are disabled...is drilling a 3/8" hole on a trailer a bad thing? Another post said any holes weakens a trailer...I just want a light wired after the harness that tells us the solenoid is disengaged...I just don't want it hanging there or wrapped in tape or anything kinda hokey...

If you are going downhill when you stop and put your vehicle into reverse, your brakes are already applied. The lockout selenoid only stops fluid from passing into the brake line. If your brake coupler is already pushing fluid into your brakes when you shift into reverse the brakes will be locked on....

 

[hrdwrkingacguy]

Re: another idea I had...

Its never a problem going downhill...my storage space starts out flat and when I get about 1/2 way into my space it starts going uphill enough to lock up my brakes...By this point its to late if water in the plug makes a bad connection and they aren't disengaged...I have to pull out to flat again and back back in...Its not hard or anything just takes time...My trailer is boxed and the ends capped and everything is painted red...I am going to do something, just not sure what yet...

 

[seaboo]

Re: another idea I had...

+1

why not just convert it to manual operation instead of a solonoid? get out, put pin in, and back up without issue and zero chance of your brakes kicking in?

Cheep, quick, easy, and no electrical wiring to do.