Trailer brakes (still learning)

[mattwahm]

This is a bit of a continuation from my previous thread (Different trailer hook-up) if you want background on the issues with my trailer and brakes. I'm new when it comes to trailers with brakes, so pardon my ignorance on the subject.

I've figured out that my trailer brakes DO work. The brakes I have are most likely, Hydraulic Disc surge brakes based on what I learned from my previous thread. There is a manual lockout behind the coupler. If I want to back up, I need to turn the manual lock-out plate clockwise in order to prevent the brakes from engaging.

THE PROBLEM: Whenever I stop the vehicle, the trailer brakes are already engaged and I cannot turn the manual lock-out plate. The only way I can stop the vehicle and prevent the trailer brakes from engaging is if I stop on an inclined road. Only then am I able to turn the manual lock-out plate and then be able to back up the trailer.

Right now, I only have my 4-pin electrical harness hooked up in order to power all of the lights. The 5th (red wire) on the trailer is NOT connected right now. I believe that red wire should have a connection to the tow vehicle back-up lights. I will be doing that wiring this week.

Since that 5th wire is not hooked up, is that what is preventing me from being able to lock out the trailer brakes anywhere, except on an inclined road?



I will enclose pics for reference.

 

[mattwahm]

Re: Trailer brakes (still learning)

one more pic

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trailer brakes (still learning)

ok, you have the manual lock out, not the electric lock out, that is activated by the back up lights. if you stop and then easy forward, you can use the manual lockout. there is an electrical lock out ( soleniod that blocks the flow of brake fluid) that is attached to the brake fluid line out of the master cylinder. but with the type system you have. you would still have to stop, and ease forward to release the brake shoes.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trailer brakes (still learning)

If you are stopped on the down-slope and need to back up, carry a block of wood with you and place it in front of the trailer wheel. The ease forward a bit to release the coupler. Set the plate as required and back up. On another note, it appears there is some sort of electric device showing in your first picture. It has a slotted screw and a hex nut at the top. There are wires and hoses coming off this device. I'm guessing that it's a pressure regulator that can be adjusted to provide the desired braking action. But the fact it has hoses and wires on it leads me to think it is also the reverse solenoid which is the electrical equivalent of your manual lockout. If so, thats where the fifth wire needs to connect to and you would not need to use the manual lockout.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trailer brakes (still learning)

i wondered about that.

 

[mattwahm]

Re: Trailer brakes (still learning)

Okay, that all helps A LOT!

Here's one thing I forgot to mention... there is a 6th wire (black) that is part of the trailer wiring. Any idea what that is for and what it would need to connect to on the tow vehicle?

If I am correct, the 5th wire (red) connects to the reverse lights, but please confirm.

Many thanks again for the help.

 

[BlowHo]

Re: Trailer brakes (still learning)

Matt,

You have a UFP product like mine, go to UFP.net to download the owners manual for that bad boy, covers everything from hitching up to disassembly of the unit.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Trailer brakes (still learning)

The correct address is http://www.ufpnet.com/

 

[BlowHo]

Re: Trailer brakes (still learning)

Oops, thanks for the correction.

 

[mattwahm]

Re: Trailer brakes (still learning)

Yep, that's my coupler. They don't really talk about wiring though. Still not sure what the black wire on the trailer would be for? Again, red, I'm assuming goes to the back-up lights.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trailer brakes (still learning)

matt, rather than blow fuses in the tow vehicle.. get your battery charger, connect the ground to the trailer, then use the pos cable to test these wires, and see what happens. i do this when i'm rewiring trailers, and don't have a tow vehicle available.

 

[mattwahm]

Re: Trailer brakes (still learning)

I found out the the 6th (black) wire is the ground for the solenoid. So, I talked to someone who has a similar trailer, he said to just tie the solenoid ground (black) wire into the other ground (white) wire. The red wire goes to the back up lights, and then I should be all set.

That seems to make sense to me, but I thought I post here to see if anyone had any concerns with it.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trailer brakes (still learning)

i agree.

 

[mattwahm]

Re: Trailer brakes (still learning)

tashasdaddy, thanks for confirming.

Thanks to everyone for the trailer brakes education!

Now, I should be good to go,... good to stop,... and good to back up!!!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trailer brakes (still learning)

hope it works.

 

[mattwahm]

Re: Trailer brakes (still learning)

Another iboats success story. Everything is working fine on the trailer now. Just wanted to say thanks again for the help.