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Need Help Releasing Disc Brakes on Trailer
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| WhalerDan |
Posted on 03/18/09 - 5:22 PM
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I just picked up my trailer with disc brakes. They were supposed to replace my flat 4 with a flat 5 that releases brakes when I back up. Unfortunately, they didn't have time. Now I can't figure out how to release the brakes so I can put trailer in my driveway. Instruction manual is useless. What's the trick. I know it's easy, but I can't get it.
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| ioptfm |
Posted on 03/18/09 - 5:33 PM
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There should be a lever on the trailer tongue that you can release that will disengage the brakes...........You will definately need to get a 5 prong connector which releases the brakes when the backup lights come on. If your truck or car has factory wired light connector then all you will need is the 5 prong plug that you can get at kmart, walmart or any parts store.
Edited by ioptfm on 03/18/09 - 5:36 PM
Tom
1979 Sport 15' |
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| WhalerDan |
Posted on 03/18/09 - 5:36 PM
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What would that lever look like. Need more info to get trailer into driveway.
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| ioptfm |
Posted on 03/18/09 - 5:42 PM
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WhalerDan wrote:
What would that lever look like. Need more info to get trailer into driveway.
On the one I had there was a loop that looked sort of like a horse shoe that pivoted down over the tongue itself, surrounding the ball. It was normally in the down position and when you pulled it up it released the brake so you could back up.
Tom
1979 Sport 15' |
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| Derwd24 |
Posted on 03/18/09 - 7:08 PM
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There's also a hole that runs through the actuator assembly that allows it to be locked in the regular (non compressed) position, you can insert the pin that's on the end of the cable, or a similar size screwdriver through the holes. What this does is keep the actuator (front) part of the assembly from compressing the master cylinder when you back up, thereby overriding the brake function and allowing you to back up easily. Don't forget about it though as your brakes won't work until it's removed.
Dave - 1983 Outrage 22 |
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| WhalerDan |
Posted on 03/18/09 - 7:18 PM
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I figured it out. The whole forward coupler piece slides backwards a short distance, or the whole piece above, around, and behind it slides forward when braking. When this happens it hides a pencil sized hole. By putting a screw driver or large pin into this hole you can prevent the pieces from sliding. It would be nice it the hole was labeled, or if the instructions made this clear. There are a million lawyer legal warnings, but no clear explanation.
The trailer buying experience left a great deal to be desired.
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| Derwd24 |
Posted on 03/18/09 - 7:19 PM
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Take a look at the diagram at the bottom of this page below, the hole is pointed to with the caption "Reverse Lock Out Option"
http://www.tiedown.com/aactuator.htmluator.html
Dave - 1983 Outrage 22 |
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| WhalerDan |
Posted on 03/18/09 - 7:20 PM
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Thanks Dave, I saw your post after I made my last one.
Thanks for the diagram. I put two and two together when I realized the whole was visible, and then when I backed up it was blocked. I sure wish the manufacturer would label this better. Or if the place that sold me the trailer took a little time to explain stuff.
Edited by WhalerDan on 03/18/09 - 7:22 PM |
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| Derwd24 |
Posted on 03/18/09 - 9:28 PM
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Glad you got it figured out. Yes, that's really the difference between a mediocre and a good dealer, whether it be trailer, boat, engine, or otherwise. Taking time to go over all the important details. When we bought our brand new Etec, dealer didn't even offer an owners manual.
Hopefully your trailer is already rigged with the hydraulic lockout solenoid and the 5 pin connector so all you'll have to take care of is the tow vehicle.
Dave - 1983 Outrage 22 |
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| rgreathouse2 |
Posted on 03/19/09 - 5:28 AM
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Whaler Dan, I have a 2006 Shorelandr that also has hydraulic brakes and I dont have the five wire setup on my landcruiser. I turn the two plug ends 90 degrees from one another and simply plug the blue wire from the trailer side into the brown wire on the truck side- Works great as long as you only need to back up at the ramp or something like that....When utilizing this configuration you do have to leave the vehicle lights ON....that powers the electrical lockout. I cant remember what trailer wiring website I found that on.......I'll look for it and post the link if I can find it.
Rob Greathouse-88 Montauk
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| tedious |
Posted on 03/19/09 - 8:03 AM
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Dan, get the 5-wire coupler installed as soon as you can. Not a whole lot of fun to be in an emergency situation on the road and not be able to back up.
Tim
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