Faulty reverse lockout solenoid?

[redright9]

So I finished installing a disc brake conversion kit onto my trailer. The kit was nice, everything fit well and works well... Except when backing up. I have double checked the wiring and it appears correct. When I am backing up very slow down a ramp, its fine, but any incline or if I give my truck any throttle, the brakes apply on the trailer. I am thinking the lock out solenoid is faulty. Anyone have experience with this or is this just par for the course with an electric solenoid lock out for brakes? The kit I installed was from Titan. Thanks.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Faulty reverse lockout solenoid?

That's not normal. Have you verified that you have voltage on the reverse line when the vehicle is put in reverse? My truck had the right connector, but no wire was going to the reverse terminal. I had to run a wire myself. Check it with a volt meter to make sure you have voltage. If so, next I'd look at the solenoid. You should be able to hear it actuate when 12 volts is applied.

 

[drrpm]

Re: Faulty reverse lockout solenoid?

Another thing to check is the relay in the fusebox that sends power to the solenoid when revere is engaged.

 

[redright9]

Re: Faulty reverse lockout solenoid?

I used a light to check. When in reverse, the light lights up (has power) and when not, it does not have power. I checked my electrical connections, and they are all good and to the correct place. I had my wife cycle my truck from reverse to neutral and could not feel or hear the solenoid clicking or anything. That is what is leading me to the solenoid.

 

[burp]

Re: Faulty reverse lockout solenoid?

Is the solonoid grounded? Have you ohmed out the solenoid to see if it is open (defective). 12 volts to the solenoid is one thing, current flow through the solenoid is necessary for the solenoid to work.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Faulty reverse lockout solenoid?

Which solenoid do you have? There are are two different types. The lock-out type which is pretty much useless or the vented type where the pressure in the trailer is ported back into the master solenoid and works pretty well

 

[redright9]

Re: Faulty reverse lockout solenoid?

The ground seems ok.. Its grounded with the trailer ground that is working for the lights. Its clean and tight. The solenoid is the standard inline kind, not vented. I got the titan kit from trailer parts depot online.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Faulty reverse lockout solenoid?

The solenoid is the standard inline kind, not vented.

The blocking solenoids are useless contraptions IMHO

The problem with the non-vented is that you must release all the pressure in the trailer, i.e. level ground or downhill, before you actuate the solenoid. From experience, you have this option at best 50% of the time and it never works in times when you most need it.

The vented solenoid vents the pressure back to the solenoid so you can actuate at anytime.

 

[redright9]

Re: Faulty reverse lockout solenoid?

Where can I find a good vented one? How hard are they to install?? I keep finding the regular blocking ones. What about a manual valve that I can close/open when I want? I know that defeats the purpose of the valve, but it would help when backing my boat back up my driveway.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Faulty reverse lockout solenoid?

Champion Trailer sells the vented ones, about $55. You will need to drill a return hole in the top of the master for the brake fluid to vent out. Here's mine:




I installed an 1/8" brass barb fitting in the top of the master.

 

[redright9]

Re: Faulty reverse lockout solenoid?

Thanks for the help. I think thats the problem is that valve. Everything else checks out. I am going to replace it with a vented one.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Faulty reverse lockout solenoid?

What about a manual valve that I can close/open when I want?

You end up in the exact same situation as you are in now. No where for the fluid to go.

Kind of suprised your coupler didn't come already drilled and tapped. My coupler had a plug in the back that you remove to install the vent line.

http://www.easternmarine.com/TIE-DOWN-Backflow-Disc-Brake-Reversing-Solenoid-11253A/