@HELP my trailer is stuck!

[MattFX4]

ok that's what I thought. Maybe I need a magnetic key for times when moving the trailer around, and backing in to storage.

 

[Scottintexas]

@MattFX4
just upgrade your connector, I worked around it for 3 years with the jumper pin trick and now that I've upgraded to a five pin and can reverse whenever I want it's SOOOOO much easier, just one of the little things that take another layer of stress away for $10.

 

[Julian]

ok that's what I thought. Maybe I need a magnetic key for times when moving the trailer around, and backing in to storage.

If you can't back up the trailer then your wiring harness isn't the right one, or has a bad connection.

 

[MattFX4]

Yeah I already have a 7 pin to 5 pin adapter that plugs in to the factory plug of my truck. Must be something wrong with that connection if it is supposed to deactivate the breaks when in reverse.

 

[itsdgm]

Yeah I already have a 7 pin to 5 pin adapter that plugs in to the factory plug of my truck. Must be something wrong with that connection if it is supposed to deactivate the breaks when in reverse.

You could test the truck wiring easily with a test lamp. Just check to see that the 5th wire has 12 volts when the truck is in reverse.

 

[Speedling]

Or convert to electric brakes. Welded that thing up and done. But my trailer sat most it's life next to the ocean and was neglected before i got it. Now it gets used and abused.

 

[swatski]

How do you get the key to stay in the slot? I was trying to back my boat in to storage yesterday and brakes kept locking up on me. I pulled forward to slide the tongue so I could insert the key, but the key would not stay in the slot. The previous owner taped it in, but the tape finally broke loose this weekend. This seems like a piss poor design to me.

Have you been towing with the key (taped) in all the time? The breaks would be inactivated. I hate surge breaks, but those can be useful...

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[swatski]

Or convert to electric brakes. Welded that thing up and done. But my trailer sat most it's life next to the ocean and was neglected before i got it. Now it gets used and abused.

That is what I plan to do if I have issues with surge breaks.

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[scokill]

Some folks use a flexible refrigerator magnet to hold the lockout key in place....put the key in, put magnet over.

 

[MattFX4]

Have you been towing with the key (taped) in all the time? The breaks would be inactivated. I hate surge breaks, but those can be useful...

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yes. The previous owner taped the key in and it has been that way since I bought it in March. My 2 year old son got his hands on it this weekend and pulled it loose. That's when I noticed I couldn't back the thing without sliding the tires across a gravel parking lot. I had no idea the breaks were deactivated as my truck has had no issues stopping the boat.

 

[MattFX4]

You could test the truck wiring easily with a test lamp. Just check to see that the 5th wire has 12 volts when the truck is in reverse.

I plan to test this. I have read reports that there is a jumper in the glove box that needs to be installed on the Ford's. I bought this truck new, and seem to remember seeing something in there. Will look at it later.

 

[swatski]

yes. The previous owner taped the key in and it has been that way since I bought it in March. My 2 year old son got his hands on it this weekend and pulled it loose. That's when I noticed I couldn't back the thing without sliding the tires across a gravel parking lot. I had no idea the breaks were deactivated as my truck has had no issues stopping the boat.

I think your 2yo shows remarkable mechanical instincts!

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[96Pirate]

How do you get the key to stay in the slot? I was trying to back my boat in to storage yesterday and brakes kept locking up on me. I pulled forward to slide the tongue so I could insert the key, but the key would not stay in the slot. The previous owner taped it in, but the tape finally broke loose this weekend. This seems like a piss poor design to me.

I have a bungee wrapped around the tongue. When I need to use the key I insert and then stretch the bungee over the key.

 

[MattFX4]

I think your 2yo shows remarkable mechanical instincts!

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lol, well I don't know what it is but every time the boat is at our house he runs straight for the tongue area of the trailer and starts messing with the safety chains, jack handle, or wiring of the trailer. He finally discovered that key that was taped in place and pulled it out.

 

[Benny Sibbitt]

@MattFX4 did you ever figure out the reverse braking on the trailer?
I have the same problem with my ford?

Thanks

 

[Bruce]

@MattFX4 did you ever figure out the reverse braking on the trailer?
I have the same problem with my ford?

Thanks

The trailer brake electronically disengages when voltage is sent to the backup light. If that wire or the ground has an issue the brake will not disengage.

 

[Benny Sibbitt]

Do you know if this is the right adapter?

 

[Bruce]

Do you know if this is the right adapter?

That adapter is missing two pins.

 

[ScarabMike]

Connect your plug backwards, and turn on your headlights, This will give the brake disengagement solenoid 12V and it will unlock your reverse.

 

[Benny Sibbitt]

Doesn't appear I can connect backwards

@Bruce I been looking online at 5 to 7 pin adapters and they all look like the one I have
I know I should have good wiring because my 33 ft travel trailer brakes work