Troubleshooting Brakes Locking Up On Boat Trailer When Backing Up

Question:

Can not back up the trailer and boat. Brakes lock up. What do we do?! 2017 jeep grand Cherokee

asked by: Loretta W

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you have a surge brake actuating coupler. If the coupler does not have a manual lockout lever, then I recommend installing the Replacement Solenoid Valve for Titan Brake Actuators with Reverse Lockouts # T4748800. This product will work with other brand actuators just fine and it will allow you to connect one wire to the reverse light connection on your vehicle and the other wire is connected as a ground to your boat trailer frame. This unit will block the hydraulic fluid from pressurizing so your brakes won't activate when it is engaged.

If you don't have a 7-way trailer connection, then you can either install one using 30717 on your Jeep connecting the yellow wire to your reverse light power at the tail lights and make sure you connect the white ground wire to the vehicle frame. Then on your boat trailer, you can use # H20046 if you don't have one. The yellow wire will be the reverse function that goes to your solenoid. Let me know if you have further questions.

expert reply by: Jason S