Left Brake Dragging on Shorlander Trailer. Need Help

[Kernsy]

My wife and I were planning leaving out in the morning to go to Lake Cumberland with family but noticed when I put my truck in reverse the left brake caliper would not release and brake was dragging bad. Touched rotor and she was pretty warm.

I checked reservoir & it was down a little but I am going to replace both brake calipers, pads, and maybe actuator in the front. I thought about installing new rotors too while I am at it.

My brake fluid was really dirty too so I know it needs all cleaned out. Is there a certain store I should be looking at to purchase all of these parts for the trailer. I have been doing searches on here but I am pretty overwhelmed.

Any advice, help, suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks
Darren Kerns
2018 Yamaha 242 Limited S E-series

 

[fatboyroy]

Does it drag when you go forward? If not, It could be your 7 pin connector that is rusted out

 

[Kernsy]

It does not feel like it as far as I can tell. I just know my left rear brake caliper seemed to be seized when backing up. My right brake was not hot to the touch. My rotors are grooved and I am just thinking about biting the bullet and rebuilding the braking system. I had all new bunks and hardware installed. I have been looking at Eastern Marine and Pacific Trailers for complete kits. It is seems like I am overwhelmed at times trying to figure out what I need. I I have put new tires and wheels on the trailer. I just have a lot to learn. I am getting there.

Pacific Trailers has the UFP DB-35 Disc Brake Kit Silver Zinc Plated Rotors with aluminum calipers I really like. $469.49. Whew!!

Thank God I have a supportive wife!!!
Thank you for the advice. I will look into that as well.
Darren

 

[Kernsy]

Fatboyroy
I just went out and checked my wiring & it is in bad shape where the tongue can swing away. I was blown away how chafed the wiring was in the Y bend. I will have to examine it further tomorrow to see how bad it was but bare copper wiring was exposed and frayed.

Thanks
Darren

 

[Ohio]

Is your trailer a 2018 the same as your boat?

 

[fatboyroy]

When you reverse the reverse light power in the 7 pin trailer deactivate the brake so you can reverse if your wiring is messed up every time u go on reverse the brake will activate

 

[Kernsy]

We just fixed all the wiring. The blue wire was frayed terrible. We tested it in the driveway going forward and backing up and it worked.

I then took it down the road and the got the brakes and fluid hot & when we tried to back up our in driveway the brakes were locked. It only done this after the fluid got hot.

I am going to put new calipers on and install a new A-60 actuator. I will put all new fluid in.

What a mess.
Darren

 

[zipper]

Did you try putting the lock out key in the actuator slot to keep the brakes from engaging while in reverse?

Edit: If it were a heat issue, I think it would effect forward movement also.

 

[Kernsy]

No. I don’t have a lock out key. It may be dragging when I am going forward. I just don’t notice it as much.

 

[Kernsy]

My normal mpg is 14-

 

[Kernsy]

My normal mpg is 14-15. I noticed I have dropped to 11 mpg. My brakes may be dragging.

 

[Kernsy]

My buddy and I tested the A-60 actuator tonight. We are getting power to the trailer from the back of the truck but the solenoid is not fully releasing the brake. We jacked it up on my Trailer Aid Plus ramp and spun the wheel. We felt it dragging then undone connector and it released. Somewhere in the solenoid it is not fully releasing when backing.

I am praying this is the fix. Calipers and brake pads looked good. Just going to order a new A-60 actuator.

I want to Thank Everyone for the advice and help.
Darren

 

[Kernsy]

UPDATE:
I installed my new A-60 actuator. Hooked up the new wiring, brake line, and bled the brake lines. Thought I was good to go, but No, locked up again.

My neighbor buddy, who is a diesel mechanic, said we need to look at your fuses in your truck. He is the best. We found a 10 amp mini fuse under the hood in my 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 had been blown. It was my trailer reverse backup light. We found the blue reverse wiring frayed and we repaired all of it but it never entered our minds to check the fuses to make sure no fuses were burned out.

I learned so much working on this trailer. My neighbors all came over and provided help and ideas. I have the best neighbors in the world. Would not trade a small town for anything.

Anyway, we replaced the fuse and the trailer is fixed.

The best thing about all of this was that I repaired wiring that was frayed terrible. It had been pinched to the point where only 2 strands were holding on for the blue reverse solenoid wire. God was watching out for my wife and family. It all happened in our driveway and not down at Lake Cumberland. Therefore, a new actuator, clean brake lines, new Hopkins LED trailer connector, and confidence that it is finally fixed.

I hope this can help anyone who may experience this problem. Don't forget to look at those fuses. It never entered my mind.

Again, I want to Thank Everyone on this site for all the help & advice.

Respectfully
Darren Kerns
2018 Yamaha 242 Limited S E
Taswell, IN