How to Disengage Electric Boat Trailer Brakes for Backing Up Trailer with 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-350

Question

Question:

Will the 20142 7 way to 7 way connector release the electric brakes for a boat trailer? Unable to back up my boat trailer as the brake engages. I have to over ride the brake with a physical stop in place. If the 20142 is not the answer suggest another solution. Thanks

asked by: Bill W

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Expert Reply:

If your boat trailer uses electric brakes such as # 23-469 it is a good idea to unplug the trailer connector from the ML-350 before you back the trailer up to launch your boat. Boat trailers are more and more often being fitted with electric brakes since they are less expensive than hydraulic brakes, but just the same electricity and water are not the best of friends.

You can also simply unplug your trailer brake controller or turn its power setting down to zero when you need to back up your trailer. This will prevent the controller from generating a signal to the trailer's brakes.

Tow Ready part # 20142 that you referenced works with newer European automobiles that have lamp-out sensors but has no effect on trailer brake operation.

expert reply by: Adam R

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Answer 1

If the spindles on your Reliable 2,700 pound axle are straight (same diameter in both bearing locations) then that indicates that it uses L44649 inner and outer bearings but if the spindles are tapered (inner bearing surface diameter is larger than…

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Answer 2

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 3

Hi Jacob; as long as you confirm you have #L44649 inner and outer bearings the Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly #AKHD-545-2-2K will fit. Keep in mind, these are rated for a 2k axle so your capacity will be slightly lower with the hubs installed. For…

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Answer 4

An oil seal like Redline part #9103309 installs in the back side of the hub (the side nearest the trailer's frame) with the sides or "legs" of the seal inserted into the hub's bore. This means that the flat metal surface of the seal…

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Answer 5

Hello Mike. It sounds like you are wanting to add electric brakes to your boat trailer that currently has no brakes. This is possible, but you will first need to make sure that your axle is equipped with a brake flange at the base of the spindle. The…

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Answer 6

You ask a very good question. In recent years we've seen more and more boat trailer manufacturers installing electric drum brakes on their trailers as OEM equipment. In the past boat trailers almost always had hydraulic drum or disc brakes as…

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Answer 7

You would need to step up to a 3500 pound set up to get an axle that comes with brake mounting flanges. You could have brake mounting flanges welded to a 2K axle if you wanted but it is a precision job that requires the proper equipment and someone…

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Answer 8

Thanks for that great information we have exactly what you need for your 2,000 lb axles. The number you gave of 1.063 inches in diameter where your bearings ride on the spindle corresponds to Bearing #L44649. Knowing that, we can get you the correct…

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Answer 9

The BTR and BT8 denotations refer to the spindle, not the trailer hub. The difference between a BTR and BT8 spindle is that the BTR spindle uses a 1.063" diameter L44649 bearing and the BT8 spindle uses a 0.99" diameter L44643 bearing. In…

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Answer 10

With the right size hub and drum assembly you could technically use 7 inch brakes on anything. The problem is that 7 inch brakes are rated too low for a 3500 pound axle. They are only rated up to 2500 pounds. The other issue is that the hub/drums…

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Answer 11

I do have an axle recommendation for you. The Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System - Straight Spindle Only - 3,500 lbs, part #ASR3500S05. This axle has a weight capacity of 3,500 lbs. The suspension of this system will activate independently,…

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Answer 12

To add electric drum brakes to your trailers the first thing you will need are brake mounting flanges. There are different ones for different diameter axles. Given the lower capacity of the trailers I am guessing the diameter of the axles is 1-3/4…

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How to Disengage Electric Boat Trailer Brakes for Backing Up Trailer with 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML-350

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