Freebacking, Drum Breaks

[Tom P]

I just finished installing Freebacking (Tiedown 81095) breaks. (not adjusted or bled yet) In the past, I've stuck a long bolt through a whole in the actuator when backing up. Do I still need to do this with Freebacking up breaks? I purchased a Reverse Lock out Solenoid. It's not installed yet. Can I/do I need to, use this instead of the pin?

Thanks,

Tom

 

[tractoman]

Re: Freebacking, Drum Breaks

You should be fine with just the freebacking style brakes, although I don't know about your coupler. The front shoe pivots so there is less drag in reverse.

 

[Tom P]

Re: Freebacking, Drum Breaks

Don't need the pin or solenoid?

Tom

 

[tractoman]

Re: Freebacking, Drum Breaks

Solonoid or pin would be for disc brakes, or non freebacking drums. I am not an expert, but mine has only freebacking drums and no pin or solonoid. Mine is a Dico/Titan model 60. Check your actuator manual.

 

[Tom P]

Re: Freebacking, Drum Breaks

ok - thanks - Tom

 

[Randybeall]

Re: Freebacking, Drum Breaks

You will not need the pin. You will be able to back up in simple situations with out the solonoid, however, if you have an up hill situation or other additional resistance you will wish you had the solonoid. Go ahead and install and wire it so that you don't have to discover the situation which locks your brakes like so many other people have.

 

[Tom P]

Re: Freebacking, Drum Breaks

The way I look at it, the solenoid is bought and paid for. So I'm going to install it. The bolt that I use for a pin will remain attached to the trailer. They just become additional options to have.

OK, I give. What's the situation that I need the solenoid for?

Thanks,

Tom

 

[tractoman]

Re: Freebacking, Drum Breaks

The solonoid is activated by your reverse lights, and keeps the actuator from applying the brakes.

 

[levittownnick]

Re: Freebacking, Drum Breaks

I didn't have good luck with the Tie Down Engineering free backing brakes. I had to replace them within this season because they were dragging. When I took the drums off, the lining was cracked from rivet to rivet accross the width of the shoe. I went with annother brand this time. What I don't like is that the replacement brand does not have the wash-down feature. (I use the boat/trailer in salt water so a washdown made sense.)

 

[Tom P]

Re: Freebacking, Drum Breaks

I haven't had to trailer much over the past 2 or three years. So I'm hoping that this lasts. After what I went through with them freezing, I'm planning to block the trailer when not in use.

Thanks all for your feedback,

Tom