Trailer Brakes Lock Up when in Reverse

[jim4596]

I have a 2005 20' stratos with a tandem axle trailer.
This weekend when launching for a tournament my trailer brakes locked up when I went to put the truck in reverse. The trailer is supposed to have a bypass solenoid that will release when you put it in reverse. I have never had a problem until this weekend. I went back and pushed the manual release lever and it didnt help. had to put the truck in low 4 wheel drive and just make it slide the tires so I could get out of everyones way. I need help cause Im not sure where to start.

[clayshooter]

Check for power to the solenoid when in reverse,could be a corroded conection,or a bad solenoid.Other than that it could be rust in the lines/calipers causing a hang up.

Ed

[rangerguy]

Check your tow vehicle and make sure your vehicle plug is getting power to the trailer plug first, might be a fuse in the tow vehicle, then if all is good, have someone put your vehicle in reverse and you stand by the solenoid and you should hear it click when your tow vehicle is put in reverse, if not, check the power wire going to it for power. If you have power, then your solenoid is bad and you will have to replace it. I have one for sell if you need one.

[jim4596]

I would guess that the solenoid went out. Nothing has changed in regards to the trailer or truck since the last time I used it. Trailer lights all still work, etc.
How much is the solenoid you have for sale ranger?
If it is rust in the lines, calipers, etc, how do you repair it/clean it out?

[rangerguy]

Jim, you have a IM.

[jim4596]

wait a minute, I been thinking. If it was the solenoid, wouldnt the manual relase work to release it? the manual release did nothing when I pushed it.

[rangerguy]

NO!!!!!!!The manual release only works if your pull that little cable coming out of the actuator real hard or if your trailer break away from your tow vehicle, then it will work if you have enough boat and trailer left to tow . You have IM.

[jim4596]

ok, good point ranger.
I will check the solenoid friday when i get back into town.
also been reading up and it seems that UFP has a 5 yr warranty on the actuator. i am also checking into that.

[FireBassr]

Take a test light and make sure you have voltage to the center pin of your six round connector on the tow vehicle when the transmission is in reverse. If not, it's a fuse. All funtions in the tow plug have a separate fuse in the panel under the hood, not the one under the dash.

[JavRenegade20]

Also make sure that your emergency brake cable didnt get yanked. If the emergency brake cable was engaged you need to manually release it.

[ducttape]

On most trailers I have seen with brakes, there is a manual lockout key that can be inserted behind the sliding pin (to keep the weight from transferring and engaging the brake). I bought my boat used and the solenoid was messed up. Until I got around to changine it, I used a c-clamp behind the sliding pin and didn't have any problems backing up.

[Lyn O. Dyer]

Call Dennis at UFP...800-835-9211 ext 16..he hook you up...

[ducttape]

Dennis is actually the one that took care of me when I couldn't get mine to work correctly. Great guy to deal with if you ever have an issue with a boat trailer.

[jim4596]

I called UFP and spoke to a young lady.
I am getting it taken care of.
Will report back when I figure out the problem and get it fixed.
thanks everyone.

[MarkNY]

Pull your 5 flat plug apart and put them together backwards. The reverse circuit will now line up with your running lights on the truck side. As long as you have a good ground through the hitch it will deactivate the brakes if you turn on the running lights. This is a simple trick that can get you by in a pinch until you find the problem.

[TRCM]

Also, don't forget if your trailer brakes are already engaged when you put the manual pin in, they will stay engaged.

youneed to pull forward some to release the actuator then put the manual pin in.