Stuck brake/wheel not turning on 2001 Escort Trailer

BCBaylinerCapri

Recruit
Joined
Jul 22, 2016
Messages
2
Hi everyone,

We have a 2001 Bayliner Capri Cuddy (21 ft) with a single axel 2001 escort trailer. Today we launched the boat in the water and parked the trailer. 5-6 hours later, we came back but when I went to get the trailer to pull the boat out of the water, the left wheel was stuck and not rotating at all. It was as if the brake mechanism was stuck and would not release. The other wheel was rotating fine. We were able to skid the trailer into the water to load the boat. As soon as the boat was on the trailer and I moved out of the water, the wheel started rotating and I had no problems getting home.

Anybody know what could have caused this and what I should do to ensure it doesn't happen again? Thanks so much for your help, I look forward to hearing from you.
 

tpenfield

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 18, 2011
Messages
17,621
Welcome to iBoats . . .

You will have to tell us what braking system you have (drum or disc), but in general, the brake cylinder (or caliper for disc) probably got 'stuck' and needed a little bit of persuasion to come free, which the weight of the boat provided.

Drum brakes are what is known as 'free baking' and disc brakes should have a lockout device when backing up, as in both cases the surge coupler (which I assume you have) will want to 'put the brakes on'.

Anyway, it may be an isolated incident, or it may be indicative that your brake cylinder/caliper needs some TLC
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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Jul 23, 2011
Messages
47,306
If you have drum brakes and do not adjust the brakes often, the shoes will wear to the point that the slave cylinder pistons come out far enough to **** to the side locking the brake. At that point, the drum has to come off.

Sometimes peiople forget to disconnect the break-away cable and drive away, forcing the brakes on. If so, depending on the brake actuator, there will be a release button or lever to disengage and release.
 

BCBaylinerCapri

Recruit
Joined
Jul 22, 2016
Messages
2
They are hydraulic surge brakes with drums. We replaced the drums 3 years ago and have put less than 5,000 miles on them. The breakaway cable was not the issue because we never disconnected the trailer from the car.

Thanks for your responses.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
47,306
If you haven't adjusted in the last 5000 miles, take the drums off and reset the wheel cylinders
 
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