Troubleshooting Brakes Locking Up in Reverse on Yacht Club Boat Trailer

Question:

Trying to back up my trailer in the yard I can only back it up 6 ft before the brakes lock up I pull ahead I back up it locks up in I have a 4-pin plug with ground that goes into around plug that goes to my truck hope that makes sense if there is something I can do to bypass those brakes that would be wonderful anything will help thank you

asked by: Gary H

Helpful Expert Reply:

It sounds like you have a hydraulic brake actuator like the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator # DM72VR on your Yacht Club boat trailer. In order to keep the brakes from activating, you need to have a reverse lockout on your brake actuator. It is possible that your current brake actuator has a manual lockout, or is capable of manual lockout using a key like the # DX94FR. You will need to identify your current brake actuator in order to determine if it has a reverse lockout or not.

If that is not the case, it is also possible to add a reverse lockout solenoid to keep your brakes from engaging. For a brake actuator like the # DM72VR, you would want to add the Reverse Lockout Solenoid Kit for Demco DA66B Hydraulic Brake Actuators # DM5836. You would also need to add a 5-way connector to your trailer like the # HM37918. It sounds like you have a 7-way on your tow vehicle right now, so you would need a 7-way to 5-way adapter like the # A75TB to connect to your trailer.

Assuming you have hydraulic drum brakes, the other option you have is to add free-backing brakes like the # AKFBBRK-35 to your trailer. These have fall-away brake shoes so the brakes will only engage when the trailer is moving forward. You would need to identify your current brakes in order to determine the correct replacement. The # AKFBBRK-35 is a 10" assembly designed for 3,500 lb axles and fits 14" or 15" wheels.

I have attached some video reviews, along with a link to all of our free-backing brake assemblies for your reference.