Connecting Brake Actuator With Electric Reverse Lockout

Updated 02/21/2013 | Published 02/17/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Brake Actuator - Painted - Drum - 2-5/16" Ball - Weld On - 20,000 lbs

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$689.98

Cordless Circuit Tester

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$19.97

Question:

The two wires on the back of the actuator. What do I connect them to.

asked by: Justin C

Expert Reply:

If your brake actuator has electrical wires these indicate that your actuator has a reverse lockout function. The wires connect to your trailer wiring to activate this electric reverse lockout function. (This allows you to back up the trailer without causing the brakes to engage.)

One wire connects to your trailer frame to serve as a ground (be sure to make a solid connection to a clean or preferably bare metal surface); the other connects to the reverse light wire on your trailer connector. Either wire can be used for the ground connection. Often the reverse light wire is attached to the center pin of a typical 7-way connector, but it is recommended that you use a circuit tester to verify the wire that carries the reverse light signal. You can use a tester like part # PTW2979 to confirm which wire provides the reverse light function by testing when the transmission is in reverse with the brake pedal pressed.

expert reply by: Adam R