Brakes in reverse

[thunder219]

Last year the only way to get the boat trailer in reverse was to put the truck in reverse and four wheel drive. The truck had power coming from the 5 way flat plug. My one buddy said that it sounds like reverse solinoid was going out? Just wanting to see what to get ready before I tackle this. Thanks for any help. Walt



The trailer pulls fine in forward and The model is an 07 herritage trailer

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Brakes in reverse

Sounds as if you have a trailer with a surge brake system and you need to figure out the reverse lockout system. Some surge brakes use a pin to lock out the brake for backing up. My guess is you have that system. What type of surge actuator do you see on your trailer tongue?

 

[jtmarten]

Re: Brakes in reverse

Do you have a reverse solenoid?
Do you have disc or drum system?
If a drum setup, the backing plates/shoes may not be the freebacking design. For discs you need the reverse solenoid.

 

[thunder219]

Re: Brakes in reverse

I will have to look at the actuater, The boat is still in storage. It has disk brakes and they have been fine until the end of last year. I know I shouldnt assume but I think it has a reverse sol. because it will not release the brakes with a four pin flat connector on the truck. Hopefully if it will stop raining on the weekend I can go get the boat and see what I have. Thanks

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Brakes in reverse

Nope and it never will with a four pin flat connector! Nothing hooks to the solenoid in a four pin configuration. The solenoid only works when connected to the taillights via a 7 pin connector or a hard wire connection to your taillights. Standard 4 and 5 pin wiring doesn't provide for this. You can wire the 5th lead of a 5 pin harness to the backup lights on the vehicle side (usually shown as a blue wire) and make sure it lines up with the solenoid wire to your trailer.