Surge brakes?

should i be able to back up with surge brakes with my light harness unpluged?
i've never had brakes on a trailer before so i'm unsure, because i can back up with the harness unpluged, i though it had to be pluged in to get power from the backup lights to bypass the brakes?...do i have a problem?

There is a selector on top of the acuator that has a cut out for backing if yours doesnt have the solenoid! What you should do is check the fluid level and acuator for proper operation. I have replaced my acuator only to find out the brake line running inside the frame had holes in it from rust so I have some pretty good knowledge about this. If your selector was not in the back up position and you have the bypass soleniod then you more than likely have no fluid in the system. If that is the case put some in and you will have to prime the acuator. If you need to know how to do that let me know.

so, i "shouldn't" be able to back up with the lights unpluged?

You'll be able to back up on flat ground or down hill with the brakes on, but if you are on a little up hill or gravel it will fight you.

got it...thanks