brake lockout for backing up without 12v+ on the reverse circuit

[trayson]

So, we had a windstorm last week and I hitched up my jeep to the XLV and pulled it forward so it wasn't under the carport. I was concerned that the carport wouldn't weather the storm and wasn't going to have my boat squished.

I went to back the boat back under the carport and it wouldn't budge. I plugged the trailer's plug into the 7-pole round outlet on my Jeep. I guess when I wired up the Jeep, I didn't connect the reverse light into the circuit. so with the tongue of the trailer pointing downhill, I wasn't able to back the trailer up because the surge brakes were engaged. Normally this disengagement happens with the reverse circuit of the trailer lights.

So, I unhitched the Jeep and backed the boat up into the carport with the Ridgeline.

This makes me wonder. Is there a way to unlock the trailer brakes when backing uphill without the reverse light circuit of the trailer wiring? Some kind of "manual override??"

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-o1a9ZdwJFqU/VJCeG-gx20I/AAAAAAAAXE0/6gbUM3l16RQ/s800/20141212_075345.jpg

[trayson]

Would I need to get one of these as a "manual override" for the brake lockout? And then install it BEFORE I tried to backup!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/A-BOAT-TRAILER-SURGE-BRAKE-LOCK-OUT-KEY-BACK-UP-BUDDY-/120941559235

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/ZKkAAOxys4RR-H~k/$(KGrHqV,!q8FHnF8-om2BR-H+kW(5Q~~60_57.JPG

[bergermaister]

Or a less fancy version-
http://www.pacifictrailers.com/UFP-A-60-Side-Lockout-Bracket-34557-for-Brake-Actuator-backing/

http://imageserv11.team-logic.com/store-logic/products/159/4/8/5/4/7/st_34557_1.jpg

But without a magnet or strap/something they're easy to lose. I left one in Prineville somewhere.

Much easier to just wire the reverse light so you don't have to think about it though.

[trayson]

Or a less fancy version-
http://www.pacifictrailers.com/UFP-A-60-Side-Lockout-Bracket-34557-for-Brake-Actuator-backing/

http://imageserv11.team-logic.com/store-logic/products/159/4/8/5/4/7/st_34557_1.jpg

But without a magnet or strap/something they're easy to lose. I left one in Prineville somewhere.

Much easier to just wire the reverse light so you don't have to think about it though.

Good tip. although I really don't think I'll ever do any real towing with the Jeep. I just used it to move the boat around the yard...


Love the $6 shipping for the $1.49 part.

[moombadaze]

I believe a nickel will fit and do the same as the items above pictured

[996scott]

I've read somewhere you can just put a nickel or dime in the slot. Don't know for sure but I swear I have read that somewhere

[bergermaister]

I actually tried a nickel and it took me 10 minutes and a small screwdriver and a paper clip to get the damn thing back out

[gregski]

A socket from the tool box works well enough but repeated use will start to bend the washer under the c-clip.

Our reverse circuit is wired and working but every once in a while the trailer lockout still fails. I would recommend having something on hand in case you get stuck.

I bought one of the "less fancy" versions which I think is the manufacturers part. We don't like it at all. It usually takes two people to work - one in the truck and one holding it place until the brake slide engages to hold it. And then it won't release until the mechanism slides open, so again, one person walks along with the trailer until it falls out. Definitely get the magnetic version, it's on my todo list.

[Badfoot]

I've used a flat washer. Don't recall the size, but it worked for me in a pinch.
Have you looked in your owner's packet for the original part?

[Rakkasan]

Or a less fancy version-
http://www.pacifictrailers.com/UFP-A-60-Side-Lockout-Bracket-34557-for-Brake-Actuator-backing/

http://imageserv11.team-logic.com/store-logic/products/159/4/8/5/4/7/st_34557_1.jpg

But without a magnet or strap/something they're easy to lose. I left one in Prineville somewhere.

Much easier to just wire the reverse light so you don't have to think about it though.

The Orginal owner my boat and trailer from had the great idea of welding that plug in place and completely removing the calipers. Never thought to check for brakes as my truck has four wheel disks and has no problem stoping. The guy I bought it from swore up and down it had brakes because it locked up on him as he tried to backup.

[Boonejeepin]

http://www.trailerpartsdepot.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=34023&eq=&Tp=

[gregski]

http://www.trailerpartsdepot.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=34023&eq=&Tp=
I inquired about those top mounted lockouts and the local boat shop gave me this long rant about how those should not be used and are not to be sold to end customers, blah, blah, blah. I didn't really believe much of what they were saying, but they definitely refused to sell it. Any idea why they might have taken that stance?

[mikenehrkorn]

http://www.trailerpartsdepot.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=34023&eq=&Tp=

That's what I use -- works like a champ when needed...

[mmandley]

I have used the nickle trick on my 08 and the nickle never came out..

I use a Bolt when we goto LBC to bypass the brakes going down the long steep hill so they are not hot at the bottom of the hill.

Trayson even though you might think you won't need this, its good to have. If your tow vehicle has a problem and you have to have a friend tow the boat. Or if you goto a park that has a steep long grade to the water this is a great item to have. I normally keep mine in the drivers door along with the plastic tool to remove the fuel cap.

[trayson]

I have used the nickle trick on my 08 and the nickle never came out..

I use a Bolt when we goto LBC to bypass the brakes going down the long steep hill so they are not hot at the bottom of the hill.

Trayson even though you might think you won't need this, its good to have. If your tow vehicle has a problem and you have to have a friend tow the boat. Or if you goto a park that has a steep long grade to the water this is a great item to have. I normally keep mine in the drivers door along with the plastic tool to remove the fuel cap.

The bottle opener on my keychain works pretty good to remove the fuel cap. But yeah, having a manual override would make sense.

Kinda like I'm going to add a full size spare wheel/tire to my boat for 2015. Scary to think that it made the trip from IL to WA with no spare (albeit on brand new tires, but still).

[mmandley]

The bottle opener on my keychain works pretty good to remove the fuel cap. But yeah, having a manual override would make sense.

Kinda like I'm going to add a full size spare wheel/tire to my boat for 2015. Scary to think that it made the trip from IL to WA with no spare (albeit on brand new tires, but still).

Yea I am actually planning on buying a New Spare tire, as the one I have has a plug in it.
I figured last season was brand new tires so a spare with a plug would do. LOL

[lee]

You can unhook the trailer light plug and then plug the blue wire from the trailer into the brown wire on the tow vehicle and turn on the lights.

[trayson]

You can unhook the trailer light plug and then plug the blue wire from the trailer into the brown wire on the tow vehicle and turn on the lights.

That's smart. good thinking