how do you release the trailer brakes?

[Bassman25]

usually i take a clamp with me but for some reason i lost it and cant find it...so i have to keep the boat outside until i get another clamp. my wiring harness broke today and so i am screwed until i get some new wiring....any ideas on how to release the brakes so i can get it in the shop???

[55excl]

Use a nickle or a piece of metal that fits in that little space.

[203]

Tyson,

My trailer came with a dealer installed hole... He pulled the trailer tongue out with the tow vehicle, then drilled a 1/4 inch hole in the moveable part of the tongue, down low, right at the edge of the fixed part. It is on the same side as the safety pin used to keep the coupler closed when towing. It's a simple matter to stick the safety pin in that hole and back the trailer anywhere I want w/o the harness hooked up.

[Lea]

Got any pictures, Richard? That idea will help a lot of folks.

[RICH2113]

I just put two 9/16 ,14mm scokets in the grove and used elec tape to keep them in unitl I could get the boat home and get fixd, wring problem then a switch problem.

[203]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Lea &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Got any pictures, Richard? That idea will help a lot of folks. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Of course.. here ya go..



Not my idea, but it sure works well. Jon moves the boats all over the yard at Boaters Marine, and he does this to make his life easier...

[bigdog]

That should be something that is standard on the trailers! I have been out on the road several times and had to pull out the socket and electrical tape. And it only happens when there is a line of people behind wanting to put in or take out after a tournament.


Modified by bigdog at 5:58 PM 3/2/2008

[Lonestarchamp]

Best I way found to release them is to release the bleeder screw on the brake line. The fluid will run out and presto no more brakes locking up! I had a skeeter before I bought my champ that always locked up in reverse. I bled the brake fluid and never filled it back up. I never even missed it, it trailered fine and would still stop with just my truck brakes.

[Lea]

Thanks, Richard!!!!!!

[Luke]

aint no way i would bleed the fluid out of mine....not a chance i had a 20' boat once that had no brakes and if you had to stop all of a sudden it would push the truck....aint no way i would do that again.....i like Richards idea but i carry a spare plug in the truck for the boat....if it gets scewed off by something or whatever within about 5 min i can quick wire a new one on and im off again....not that i have had to do that or nothin

[MigAz]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 203 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Of course.. here ya go..



Not my idea, but it sure works well. Jon moves the boats all over the yard at Boaters Marine, and he does this to make his life easier...

</TD></TR></TABLE>

Theres a lock-out key that fits in the slot to disable them. Also, on the bottom, of the tongue, there is a tab that you depress to release them and pump them when you are bleeding them. It is a very simple process.

[Lpolk]

Richard that is the best idea I saw yet. It eliminates the taped on nuts,or bolts that scratches up the paint. (Good Idea).

[Brett M]

If your problem is what I think it is-- your wiring is messed up so with the new 5 prong wiring (back up lights release the brakes) - just turn the plug over or slid it down, turn on the head lights (powers the trailer) and she will back up with power going towhat is supose to be the back up connection or fifth wire on the trailer.

[tracy shannon]

i now a guy that designed i device to go in the surge brake slot to help with backing and such problems he even patented it only cost i think was like $10.00 i will see if i can get a hold of him and get back with you onit

[Lea]

Mig mentioned the "lock-out key" which fits in the slot to keep surge brakes from engaging when backing. One came with my last boat and it worked well, but it had the 4 point electrics plug. My new rig has the 5 point connection, so not sure if the key would work. This boat did not come with one. However, I think there is a way to make an X with your connectors so only the blue and brown connect (If I am remembering colors correctly), and this will prevent brakes from engaging while backing. As mentioned, putting parking lights on somehow helps...but I have no clue regarding why....

[Tx Champ]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Lea &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">... My new rig has the 5 point connection, so not sure if the key would work. This boat did not come with one. </TD></TR></TABLE>

The key will still work. The solenoid (blue wire) activates a valve that reroutes the fluid back to the master cylinder instead of to the wheel cylinders. If it ever fails, it would be nice to have a key handy.

Surge brake demonstration

Brake solenoid demonstration

[188ELITE]

john did mine the same way. it can be a life saver!

[Lea]

Thanks, Reggie. Do you think those links should be added it your OEM post pinned above? I have dial-up, so will have to view later when I can leave the computer alone for awhile to download...

[Tx Champ]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Lea &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> Thanks, Reggie. Do you think those links should be added it your OEM post pinned above? </TD></TR></TABLE>

They've been there for a long time ... Demonstration Videos are under Trailer Components.

[DAnderson]

Sorry, I'm a little confused. With the solenoid brakes, if I put a "key" or sockets in the grove, will I be able to back my trailer? Thanks.