Almost Too Embarrassed to Ask.....But I must..

[Shep61]

Well, I have a 1997 Ranger Commanche that I purchased new and the tandem axle trailer has surge disk brakes.

Just behind the square nosed couple there is a round access plate that can be turned to disengage the brakes while backing if needed. It also comes off to access the master cylinder to check the fluid and that is why I removed it last weekend.

Much to my dismay, I can't get the (^(*^)(^ thing back on!!!

There is a button that one has to press to rotate it to remove it but no matter how I position it it just will not seat as it should. If I were to hook up the boat and go somewhere it would surely bounce out.

Hopefully someone out there has had this problem and can tell how easy it is to put it back and how goofy I am to have overlooked this remedy..

thanks in advance for any assistance.

 

[archcityBob]

Re: Almost Too Embarrassed to Ask.....But I must..

Try PM'ing this person : http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=454598 or post in the Ranger section at http://forums.iboats.com/forumdisplay.php?f=65

Good luck.

Bob

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Almost Too Embarrassed to Ask.....But I must..

Pictures?? Is this supposed to be some kind of mechanical lockout? I can't imagine a cover plate strong enough to do this. Usually that's a drop pin of some sort.

 

[Shep61]

Re: Almost Too Embarrassed to Ask.....But I must..

thanks for your responses.

I finally found my trailer manual and the part in question is called the " BRAKE LOCKOUT CAP" for a MODEL A-60 HYDRAULIC BRAKE ACTUATOR.


There is a good section on how to use it and how to remove it but has NO reference to re-installing it!!!!

Since my post I have searched reinstalling this cap but to no avail.

thanks again for any advice.

 

[CC245]

Re: Almost Too Embarrassed to Ask.....But I must..

You can try chocking the wheels and put the tow vehicle in reverse. When you feel the wheels pushing against the chock, apply the brakes and parking brake then put it in park. This should aline the holes and allow you to put the pin or cap back in.

 

[CC245]

Re: Almost Too Embarrassed to Ask.....But I must..

If that does not work do the same thing but pull against the chock in forward.

 

[Shep61]

Re: Almost Too Embarrassed to Ask.....But I must..

Ok, guys ....will try that.

I will report back here if it works or no. (may take a couplu of days)

thanks again,Shep

 

[mike343]

Re: Almost Too Embarrassed to Ask.....But I must..

Call or email UFP--unique functionalproducts.

 

[Prophammer]

Re: Almost Too Embarrassed to Ask.....But I must..

I think CC245 may be on to something, it could be in a bind, and thats why it won't go on right.

 

[Shep61]

Re: Almost Too Embarrassed to Ask.....But I must..

Thanks all for your thoughts and suggestions. I hooked up the boat to my truck and towed it for a while, backed it up...even backed it up on an incline and it worked just fine. Put a chock down as suggested ...no workie.

It looks underneath that it may have some wear and tear on the locking mechanism so I found where I can order one for
$9 so I am going to order a replacement and go from there.

Obviously as long as the solenoid is working backing isn't a problem. Anyway, if the new one fixes this issue I will post the resolution back here just in case so poor schmuck has the same problem down the line.

Again, thanks for the input.

 

[DaveJ50]

Re: Almost Too Embarrassed to Ask.....But I must..

Mine works better when I put the button end in first under the frame edge. Then just pushing the button allows the other end to drop in. This is with the button handle at a little less than 45 degrees at the end of the cutout in the frame top.

After that it just turns clockwise until it latches but I found out the hard way that it won't turn all the way unless the tongue is fully extended.