Troubleshooting Trailer Surge Brakes That Activate in Reverse with New Truck

Question

Question:

2018 f150 First time pulling a trailer with surge brakes and r locking in reverse. the trailer works fine with my other truck 2012 f150 please help.

asked by: Jesús C

0

Expert Reply:

A surge coupler/actuator will activate the brakes on the trailer unless it has a lockout feature, either a manual lockout as with coupler # T63FR or an electric lockout as on part # T4854020. Since the same trailer backs up without any problem using your other truck, the 2012 F-150, most likely that truck has a reverse light circuit present on the trailer wiring to deliver a lockout signal for the coupler's solenoid.

If your new truck has only a 4-pole wiring setup then you'll just need to add an adapter # 20036 which lets you add an additional circuit to carry the truck's reverse light signal to operate the lockout. This adapter has one wire that splices into the reverse light wiring on the truck.

If the new truck and trailer have a 7-way wiring setup (which includes a reverse light signal) then there may be an issue on that one circuit. Please refer to the linked photo to see how the pins on a 7-way are configured; the reverse light signal is carried on the center pin. If you have a tester like # PTW2992 you can test the reverse light circuit on the truck's wiring connector to make sure the signal is present when the truck is in reverse gear. Be sure to have a competent helper to assist since you'll need to test the connector while the truck is in reverse.

Please feel free to tell me a bit more about the type of wiring on each truck and whether the coupler has an electric or manual type lockout. If it is a manual/mechanical lockout the problem could be due to damage to that feature on the coupler.

expert reply by: Adam R

0

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Answer 1

The issue your friend is having with his trailer is a mechanical one so we can rule the vehicle out. The reasoning for this is because the only way you would have been able to back up the trailer with using just a 4-way trailer connector is if you…

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Answer 2

With surge brakes, you have a brake actuator applying the needed pressure to the brakes but to be able to back up you will need to have a manual lockout or an electric lockout solenoid, like #T4748800, which will close when you shift the vehicle…

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Answer 3

If your trailer wants to slam forward and back as you apply the brakes of your tow vehicle the shock is bad and needs to be replaced. When a shock goes bad it no longer dampens the movement of the actuator which causes what I described. If the…

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Answer 4

The coupler should be very difficult to push in by hand but it doesn't return on its own. There is likely a problem inside your coupler that will need to be addressed to get it working properly again. It is most likely the shock that is inside.…

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Answer 5

From past customers we've learned that the AL KO 8460 hub/drum are 5,200 lb capacity drums that have a 6 on 5-1/2 inch bolt pattern. So for a replacement hub you'd want the part #8-201-5UC3. And then for a pair of brake assemblies you'd…

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Answer 6

It sounds like the problem is in the wiring of your reverse lockout solenoid. Most likely the circuit is shorting out somewhere and is causing the circuit to over-draw which is why the fuse is popping and the wire is getting hot. I would inspect the…

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Answer 7

Are you certain that you have the 6-way connector, like part #PK12720 with the 6 round pins? Or do you have the 7-way connector like part #PK11893 that features 6 blade-type pins with one connector in the center? The two can sometimes be confused.…

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Answer 8

Sounds like your trailer has an electric reverse lockout which prevents the brakes of your trailer from applying so that you can back the trailer up. If now the brakes won't release after the issue you had with someone else backing up the trailer…

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Answer 9

On a trailer that has a surge coupler, if the trailer does not have a manual or electric reverse lockout or free-backing brakes then the brakes will engage when backing up. Free-backing brakes are only available in drum brake applications. So you…

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Answer 10

The backup light circuit of a vehicle would provide enough amperage to activate the lockout solenoid on a trailer with surge brakes. I'd make sure that the extra blue wire of your #47515 does have voltage when the reverse lights are on to verify…

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Answer 11

My contact at Fulton confirmed that the A60 series is now obsolete and they don't make replacement parts. For a replacement, I recomemend the Titan Zinc-Plated Brake Actuator - Drum - Multi-Fit Ball - Bolt On - 7K #T43397007K. This surge brake…

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Answer 12

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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