Can't back up my trailer

[khaz]

I brought the boat back to the house this evening, to take out tomorrow, and I can't back the trailer into the drive way. Everything was fine last weekend when I put it away. All of the lights are working, but the brakes won't release. Any thoughts?

[AirTool]

RE: Can

Mine has a lever right at the front next to the ball.... you pull out to release the brake to back up. First forward motion it releases. If you have such lever...have a friend nearby to keep setting it...if you have to go back and forth a lot.

Hope this helps....and you have the lever.

[khaz]

RE: Can

I do not see a lever to release the brakes manually. It is a Trail-Rite trailer if anyone has any recommendations. I have checked all of the wiring, and it is still attached. Shouldn't the brakes release since the back-up lights are on?

[J]

RE: Can

Could be your truck not engauging the brake release.....possible blown fuse?.....you also could shove a pc of wood or something so that the coupler can't actuate the surge brakes to get you in reverse.
Could use more info like what is your pull vehicle, coupler brand, and wiring style.

[bkhallpass]

RE: Can

Is your electrical connector a 5 prong? If only a 4 prong then your backup release is not electric, it is manual. BKH

[khaz]

RE: Can

It is a 7 prong. It is electric. Tow vehicle is a Suburban, but I think the release is with the reverse lights. They are on, so I am narrowing it down to the actuator I think. I am going to pick up a Manual override for now I think.

[cakirk2004]

RE: Can

Well Kevin you said it worked fine last week and I guess you are pulling with the same vehicle, and you said that the backup lights work ( that tells me that the fuse is not blown) it sounds like the solenoid in the tounge of the trailer that deactivates the trailer brakes has failed. One way to get around that is to use a piece of tape and 9/16 or 1/2 nut and put it in the groove where the trailer tongue slides (on the side of the tounge). PM me if you need more help.

[nautique210]

RE: Can

Surge or electric brakes? Is this your first time with this trailer or have you been able to back it up prior years?

[khaz]

RE: Can

Have had it for over a year. Worked fine since we got it. I am thinking it is the solenoid, as cakirk mentioned. Is that an easy replacement? Or is it something I should just let a trailer shop do?

[JUST-IN-TIME]

RE: Can

run another ground to the solenoid face

[krempel]

RE: Can

make sure there is not a kink or obstruction in the brake fluid line.

krempel

[Hollywood]

RE: Can

If you brake too hard stopping from going forward will the solenoid be able to lock out the brakes if they are partially activated?

[Socbum]

RE: Can

I'm having the same problem -- I can back down the ramp without problems, but when I back it into the storage unit on level ground they lock up??
I have a ramlin trailer with surge brakes. The connector is the round 7 pin connector on a Toyota 4 runner.

Earlier this year it would start out backing up ok but lock up occasionally as I maneuvered into the storage unit. Last week it locked up at the start -- any way to disengage? or how difficult is it to replace the solenoid?

[crghou]

I had the same problem. 03 San w/ the upgraded trailer...sorry i cant think of it now. Anyways if yours is like mine this is what i had to do. If you pull the truck forward you will notice on each side of the tongue a little kind of notch area that will stick out...that means the brakes are disengaged. When they are locked up this should be sucked in and you will not see any free space under them. I really wish I could get you a picture i will look in a minute. What I do is stick a 1/2" extension for a wrench in this area so when the trailer tries to engage the brakes it cant, that means you will have no assistance from the trailer when stopping but who cares if your just backing in the shed or down the drive. Sometimes they are just super sensitive if your on inclines or anything like that.

[Socbum]

crghou -- thanks! I will check it out and see if that works.

Has anyone changed the solenoid? Is it hard?