Trailer brakes troubleshooting

[okula225]

Afternoon All,

I purchased a boat in the beginning of a cold February in NJ (crazy I know) Came with a very clean trailer, however later found that the brakes didnt work. What would be the correct process to see what the issue is? From what I can see the safety cable has been pulled out however the brakes are'nt engaged. Secondly don' know if the backup solenoid works. How can I trouble shoot the breaking system to rule out the the hardware that works without replacing the entire system?

 

[Scottintexas]

how did you determine the brakes didn't work? did you try driving in reverse with the lights unplugged to see if the trailer wheels locked up?

What makes you think the safety cable was pulled?

Have you visually seen the surge brake frame area go back and forth when having someone put the vehicle in drive/reverse?


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[okula225]

how did you determine the brakes didn't work? did you try driving in reverse with the lights unplugged to see if the trailer wheels locked up?

What makes you think the safety cable was pulled?

Have you visually seen the surge brake frame area go back and forth when having someone put the vehicle in drive/reverse?


.

Yes I have tried driving with the lights unplugged and revers, also jacked up the trailer and the tires spun freely after the tongue was pushed back. Safety cable ball is pulled on the outside of the tongue when it was supposed to be inside. Lastly, yes the tongue does actuate back and forth without issue.

 

[Bubbjr7]

curious to see if anyone helps. I am having the same issue and have also tried and visually varified everything you mentioned

 

[Scottintexas]

Yes I have tried driving with the lights unplugged and revers, also jacked up the trailer and the tires spun freely after the tongue was pushed back. Safety cable ball is pulled on the outside of the tongue when it was supposed to be inside. Lastly, yes the tongue does actuate back and forth without issue.

is your trailer an MFI ? I can't tell from your avatar, maybe post a picture of your surge unit or trailer make since it's galvanized,

Have you checked your fluid level?

Have you looked at our FAQ about resetting your emergency cable?

curious to see if anyone helps. I am having the same issue and have also tried and visually varified everything you mentioned

Bubba, you've got a 2018 boat, isn't your trailer also still under warranty ?

 

[Bubbjr7]

Yes it is still under warranty. Just trying to see if it was a quick fix before I tow it to a dealership. It seems my emergency brake cable will not reset. Have not looked at the FAQ yet. Wouldn't that cable not resetting cause the brakes to stay locked? The reset lever under the tongue also seems like it's not working properly.

 

[Bubbjr7]

I found my problem. The fluid was low in the reservoir. Being new, I didn't suspect that as it is brand new but after reading this forum day in and day out I should have known better. Thanks

 

[Cambo]

Afternoon All,

I purchased a boat in the beginning of a cold February in NJ (crazy I know) Came with a very clean trailer, however later found that the brakes didnt work. What would be the correct process to see what the issue is? From what I can see the safety cable has been pulled out however the brakes are'nt engaged. Secondly don' know if the backup solenoid works. How can I trouble shoot the breaking system to rule out the the hardware that works without replacing the entire system?

Was the boat used in salt water ? calipers could be frozen My 2005 needed a complete overhaul the only original item was the frame. The brake kits are not bad to install replaced with flexible lines new actuator, rotors and calipers

 

[okula225]

Was the boat used in salt water ? calipers could be frozen My 2005 needed a complete overhaul the only original item was the frame. The brake kits are not bad to install replaced with flexible lines new actuator, rotors and calipers

Yeah it was, seems like that may be the issue. Taking a deeper look into it on Saturday will do some more tests and put out an update.

 

[suke]

I found my problem. The fluid was low in the reservoir. Being new, I didn't suspect that as it is brand new but after reading this forum day in and day out I should have known better. Thanks

If it was low I'd bleed them, just to make sure there wasn't any air that may have gotten in the lines.

 

[Bubbjr7]

Thanks for the advice. I planned on doing that. I ran out of time yesterday