How Do I Know If I Have Free-Backing Brakes?
Updated 05/25/2020 | Published 08/29/2017
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
How do I know if my trailer is equipped with free backing brakes? I need to replace the surge brake hitch the current hitch does have some sort of lever for backing only but never have used it.
asked by: John
Expert Reply:
Your trailer must have free backing brakes if you have never used the surge brake actuating coupler reverse lockout. If you did not have free backing brakes, your brakes would most likely brake even if they didn't lock up when you back up because of the trailer weight pushing against the hitch ball.
The only way to know for sure is to pull your hub/drum off the spindle and look at the hydraulic cylinder. Free-backing brakes like # AKFBBRK-7R-D will have only one pin coming out and it will be toward the front brake shoe. If it has a pin on each side, then it is not a free-backing assembly.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator - Drum - Zinc - 2" Ball - 7,000 lbs
- Brake Actuator
- Surge Brake Actuator
- Farm Trailer
- Boat Trailer
- Construction Trailer
- Travel Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Bolt-On
- 7000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Ball Coupler
- 3 Inch Channel Tongue
- Drum Brakes
- No Lockout
- Demco
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Shop: Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator - Drum - Zinc - 2" Ball - 7,000 lbs
- Search Results: brake actuator
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: What to Know About the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator-DM72VR
- Video: All About the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator-DM72VR
- Shop: Hydraulic Brake Kit - Uni-Servo - Free Backing - Dacromet - 10" - Left/Right Hand - 3,500 lbs
- Article: How to Bleed Your Trailer Surge Brakes
- Shop: Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator w/ Electric Lockout - Disc - Zinc - 2" Ball - 7,000 lbs
- Shop: Hydraulic Trailer Brake Kit - Uni-Servo - Free Backing - 10" - Left/Right Hand - 3,500 lbs
- Search Results: free backing trailer brakes
- Shop: Dexter Zinc-Plated Brake Actuator - Drum - 2-5/16" Ball - Bolt On - 12,500 lbs
- Search Results: free backing drum brakes
- Shop: etrailer Hydraulic Trailer Brakes - Uni-Servo - 10" - Left/Right - 3.5K
- Shop: Hydraulic Brake - Uni-Servo - Free Backing - Dacromet - 12" - Right Hand - 5,200 lb to 7,000 lb
- Search Results: reverse solenoid
- Search Results: surge brake actuator brake actuator
- Search Results: trailer brakes
- Search Results: flexible hydraulic brake lines
- Video: Titan Brake Actuators with Reverse Lockout Replacement Solenoid Valve Installation
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Q&A: Surge Brake Actuator Replacement Recommendation for Atwood Model 84132
- Q&A: Determining If Surge Brake Actuator Has Lockout or If Brakes are Free-Backing
- Video: Review of the Hydraulic Trailer Brake Kit
- Q&A: Replacement Brake Actuator For 1995 ShoreLander Trailer With Drum Brakes
- Video: Let’s Check Out the Hydraulic Brake
- Q&A: Recommended Replacement Brake Actuating Surge Coupler for Atwood 85778
- Video: What to Know About the Demco Hydraulic Brake Line Kit
- Q&A: Is There a Demco Brake Line Extension or a Longer Brake Line Kit Than the DM5426 Kit
- Video: Review of Demco Manual Lock Out Kit Model DA75 - DM93CV
Gene G.
5/22/2020
I have a ski nautique 1994 that needs, wheel bearings, seals, master cylinder, 2 1/4,x 10 inch shoes, wheel cylinders, the master cylinder is an attwood 171 if that helps. any chance I could get a quote on above for both left and right for one axle. thanks and a quote for disc brake conversion.