I recetnly tried backing up my boat trailer (new purchase) into my garage and realized the brakes were locking up due to braking system.  I never encountered this problem before, however i was using a different vehicle which is lower to the ground (ford escape vs a hummer).  Any suggestions?

Does the Ford have a 5th wire on the plug for the back up lockout?  If not, the discs will hang.

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O'
"Little Mascara 3"
2003 266BR,496 MAG w/Bravo III

 I have the same problem backing my trailer up but only wheen I have to back on a slight upslope. I can't figure it out. It's really a pain because now I have to pull the boat forward in the driveway and leave enogh space to unhook the trailer and still be able to pull forward enough to negotiate the backup of the vehicle to get around the boat. Really sucks. Will do fine with no boat on the trailer. Must be the weight...I dunno

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Terry Sloan and Diane Alley
1997 210CCR Volvo Penta 5.7 Duo Prop
Chattanooga, Tn.

Terry, you probably have the drum brake design on a '97.  You can get a lock out plug that you put in place before you start backing up that will keep the brakes from coming on.  When you back up, you're pushing in the hydraulic cylinder that activates the brakes.  I had this disc thing that went on top of the trailer above the cylinder that you could turn and it would lock out the cylinder just till you pulled forward.  You can get these at trailer places.  What trailer is it?

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O'
"Little Mascara 3"
2003 266BR,496 MAG w/Bravo III

Mike,

 

It's a 1996 tandem Axel Tennessee Trailer. It came with the boat when I bought it 3 seasons ago but this is the 1st year I have trailered it. There is a "key/pin" thing (lol, I know, not sure on the terminology) that is attached to a wire about 1 foot in length. I'm really not sure where it goes but it sounds like it may be what you are talking about. I am going outside right now and look at it again. When the brakes engage there is a  big bolt on the toungue that slides in the up position. When backing up any hill this always happens, but only when the boat is on the trailer. I'll check it our right now..

Thanks again Mike,

 

Terry

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Terry Sloan and Diane Alley
1997 210CCR Volvo Penta 5.7 Duo Prop
Chattanooga, Tn.

That key will usually fit in where the mechanics slide at the tongue.  Mine would go on the side of the tongue.  Only thing is, you have to have no pressure on the tongue when you insert it or it won't go in.  Not always the easiest.  They're using a back up solenoid now that definitely makes things easier.

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O'
"Little Mascara 3"
2003 266BR,496 MAG w/Bravo III

Tito, If its a mechanical braking system, you have to engage the reverse brake lever, situated just behind the hitch.

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Gary
"POZOR"
2008 240LS, 350 MAG BIII

...OK!!! It's amazing what happens when you actually read an owners manual!! I pulled out all of my paperwork and "WA LA"!! I found the manual for the trailer I forgot I had since I had the boat in dry storage for 2 years. Seems pretty simple to disengage the brakes for uphill backing. I'll try it this weekend after we return for the lake. I also found the manual for the Vovo Penta 5.7 engine. Some of the stuff I have been paying out the ying yang for looks like I could do myself. I just need to buy a prop wrench to remove the 2 props and it looks like I can change my own gear lube. This site and manuals = saving $$$$..(Unless I screw it up myself)

 

Time for a and some more reading. Thanks for the input !!

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Terry Sloan and Diane Alley
1997 210CCR Volvo Penta 5.7 Duo Prop
Chattanooga, Tn.

I have a question about the trailer brakes as well. My trailer's wheel cylinders are bad according to the description of what they are doing I gave to Byron. I ordered a complete set of bolt on brake groups that are Free Backing. How does the free backing part work? Do I still have to get out and flip the lock out to keep fluid from going to the solenoid, or do the brakes somehow know when the trailer is going in reverse to keep them from engaging? I know this is probably a stoopid question, but I am just curious. Oh and sorry Byrin for not getting the parts from you guys at Prestige, but I talked to Bob the day  I called back and told him what I found and he said it was a good deal. I still am looking forward to meeting you guys this fall, if everything permits.

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1995 225BR 5.7L w/ Bravo One & Thunderbolt Ignition

Boat Name: Cent$less

Life's Journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting, 'Holy sh!t... What a Ride!! ' '

Thanks for all the feed back.  I found out that the plug i was using on my ford escape does not have the 5th pin (blue wire).  I am asuming this is tied to the braking system and allows me to back up the trailer (uphill that is).  My Hummer has a 5 pin connection and I havent had any issue (yet).  I may just have to break out the owners manual as well.  My trialer is a 07' Zieman.

 

Tito, that 5th wire is tied into the back up lights on your vehicle.  When you go into R and the lights come on, it energizes the solenoid that keeps the brakes from activating.  You can get a 5 wire plug installed easily enough at a trailer or RV place.

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O'
"Little Mascara 3"
2003 266BR,496 MAG w/Bravo III

If you have a 7 prong plug on your vehicle, you can buy the 7 to 5 adapter.... thats what we use....

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