Trail Lock, whats the point.

[keithm1961]

Whats the point of a trail lock when you have power tilt. I have a 76 johnson 85
I just rebuilt the cylinders, there seems to be a bit of a bind in the pivot which seems to be in the trail lock mechanism. I must admit I havent looked at it closely to see how it works. My question is what would be the drawback to removing the mechanism?

Keith

 

[DJ]

Re: Trail Lock, whats the point.

The "trailering lock" will not effect the pivot.

Have you lubed the two grease zerks on the front of the pivot?

The trail lock is very handy for servicing the tilt/trim unit.

 

[F_R]

Re: Trail Lock, whats the point.

If there is danger of the motor dragging on the road when down, then the trail lock is an important safety feature. The power tilt can leak down from the bouncing and let the motor down, causing severe scrape marks on the lower unit.

 

[keithm1961]

Re: Trail Lock, whats the point.

I appreciate the advice, I'll grease those zerks this afternoon and let you know what happens. To engage the trailering lock do I run the motor up as far as it will go and the move the lever. I know this seems like basic stuff, but the lever doesnt seem to be attached to anything. Like I say I havent looked at it closely to see the operation of it, but I will do this. Thanks again

Keith

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Trail Lock, whats the point.

Keep the trailer lock mechanism. Somewhere down the road you will wish you had.

 

[Proselect]

Re: Trail Lock, whats the point.

I use my trail lock all the time due to me being too cheap to invest in a transom saver yet. I just run the motor all the way up, flip the lock down, and then run the tilt down against it to take the pressure off the hydraulics. Simple and works good. Of course I would rather have a transom saver.

 

[willamettejeff]

Re: Trail Lock, whats the point.

Check out this post for why the trailer lock is important even though you have power tilt. Trim and tilt stuck up

-- Jeff