How To Reconnect the Brakes and Brake Actuator on a 1981 Franklin 6,000-Lb Trailer  

Question:

Expert Reply:

All of the A-Frame brake actuators that are available will come without a reverse lockout. This means that you would have to have free-backing brakes on your trailer to be able to use the A-Frame brake actuators.

The free-backing design lets your trailer move in reverse without actuating the brakes. When you begin backing up, the brake shoes are firm against the drum, as in a braking situation. As you continue in reverse, however, the shoes turn with the drum until the lining pressure is released and you are able to back up freely.

The way to tell if the brakes you have are free-backing is to look at the brake shoes on the drum brakes. On a free-backing system the front shoe will be like a D-shape design and the rear shoe would be a C-shape design. If you look at Dexter Shoe/Lining, 12 X 2 inch Dexter Free Backing, part # bp04-162, this will show you the difference in the two brake shoes.

If you have the free-backing brakes you will be able to install the Titan A-Frame Brake Actuator, part # T4067600, on to your trailer. I would recommend to inspect all of the parts in the hydraulic braking system to make sure they will be reusable. I am including a link to the installation instructions on the Titan brake actuator.

If you do not have free-backing brakes I would recommend to replace the hydraulic brake system with electric brakes and a brake controller. The price would be about the same and you would not have to mess with any plumbing of the hydraulic brake lines and hoping that the parts that are on the trailer now will work correctly.

You will need to order a left side and right side brake assembly, a brake controller, and 7-Way wiring for your tow vehicle and trailer. Since the brake system will be apart it would be a good time to also replace the bearings, races, and seal.

If you decide to switch to electric brakes, let me know more information on your tow vehicle and the trailer so I can help you choose the correct setup you will need.

I am including a link to a video on changing hydraulic brakes to electric brakes.

expert reply by: Jeff D

0