Air Force One Braking System on 2017 Grand Cherokee Activates While Backing When Towing Boat

Question:

I have an Air Force 1 braking system install on my 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It was fine when being towed behind my RV. However, when I tow my boat behind my Jeep, it works fine........until I back up with the boat still attached. At that time, the Jeeps brakes locks up and will not allow me to back up. Do I need to disconnect / deactivate the system when I use my Jeep to tow my boat? Thanks

asked by: Byron B

Helpful Expert Reply:

I'm assuming this is occurring when you are towing the boat, and not a situation where you are double towing the boat and the Grand Cherokee behind the motorhome (a practice that is not recommended).

The Air Force One can't apply the brakes unless it's connected to the motorhome. It sounds like your boat trailer might have a surge or hydraulic coupler on it. When you back the boat, the coupler compresses, thus applying the brakes. Most surge couplers will have a manual or electric lockout to prevent the brakes from applying if the vehicle is backed. If the coupler has a manual lockout, there should be a lever on it that will activate the lockout. For an electric lockout, the reverse lamp pin on your 5 pole or 7-way trailer connector needs to be active and tied into the reverse lamp circuit of the vehicle.

expert reply by: Mike L