Do Surge Trailer Drum Brakes Release When Reversing Trailer

Question:

Im actually helping a neighbor fix his trailer. My trailer has disc brakes with electric bypass solenoid for reverse. He has a Tison/Dyco Model 60 #4332900 actuator with drum brakes. This actuator is NOT equipped with the electronic solenoid only cause its meant for drum brakes? I think I remember that drum brakes only work when in forward motion? So when in reverse even tho this actuator still pushed fluid back to the brake cylinder and spreads the shoes the brakes will not be applied? I just want to make I my thought process is correct before I order new parts as I want to make sure this trailer can still be reversed. Thanks in advance for your time!

asked by: Jay S

Expert Reply:

Not all hydraulic trailer drum brakes can be reversed without the brakes activating. If the trailer has brake assemblies that have free-backing plates then a reverse lockout solenoid is not needed. If your neighbor can back his trailer up without the brakes locking up as-is he's fine to leave everything alone. If he's having problems backing the trailer up easiest solution is adding a reverse lockout solenoid. The correct lock out for a Model 60 would be the part # T4748800.

Worth mentioning is that there isn't a similar feature to the free-backing plates for disc brake applications and you have to use a reverse lock out with that style.

expert reply by: Jameson C