Trick to open trailer brake-key slot

[jjmparsons]

Gonna say something ridiculous here but not too long ago I had put my 4 pin adapter on (not realizing I wasnt using my 5 pin one) and could not get the boat trailer to disengage/unlock the brakes at all. Literally blocking the parking lot. So what I have learned is to flip the 4 pin prong connector and plug it in. Put the truck in reverse and "turn on the head lights". This tricked the trailer into thinking it was in reverse and it unlocked/disengaged the brakes.

 

[Cleveland Steamer]

Can you show a pic of the magnet in place?

Here ya go

 

[sunbyrned]

Yep! Just started doing that. Works great! My magnet is a lot smaller from Home Depot. About $2.50 for two of them. Sure beats zip ties.

 

[Benny Sibbitt]

I believe f150 wiring is different. My back up would never disengage either
So I rewired the harness.
I bought a 7-way plug and rehooked all wires. Now no problem.
I also have that orange buddy backup I used before I rewired trailer and I attached that to the trailer so I didn't have to worry about losing it or dropping it.

 

[ZGhost]

I’m in the same boat, well different model though. Genius ideas and solutions. Thanks for the links guys! One Ordered!

 

[Julian]

In 12 years I have NEVER ever used the trailer backup key, and I have to backup a steep driveway at my house. Just fix the freakin tow vehicle wiring!!! Using the key is a manual PITA.

 

[Huv1]

I just simply replaced a blown 10 amp fuse on my truck...problem solved with no further issues.