Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes that Lock Up in Reverse with One Truck but Not Others

Published 08/25/2017

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Question:

Hello, I have a 2017 Chevy 3500 Diesel. I hooked up to my boat trailer and the truck will not release my brakes in reverse. I tried the trailer with another truck and the trailer works. I have heard that Chevy does not always complete the systems. Is there a part I can purchase to fix this? My fifth wheel and motorcycle trailer work just fine. Thank you,

asked by: Chris S

Expert Reply:

Sounds like your trailer has surge brakes and the 7-way of your truck does not have the reverse light circuit complete which is preventing the reverse lockout from functioning properly.

What you would need to do is run a wire from the center pin of the 7-way on your truck to the wire of your reverse lights that goes hot when you put the vehicle in reverse. Once you do that the reverse lockout solenoid will function properly. You'd want to use a quick splice like the part # SWC501746-1 to tap into the reverse light circuit.

expert reply by: Jameson C