Troubleshooting Surge Brakes Activating when Boat Trailer is being Reversed

Published 07/09/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Replacement Shock Absorber for Dexter Model 60 Brake Actuators

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$68.10

Replacement Solenoid Valve for Dexter Brake Actuators with Reverse Lockouts

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$80.93

Question:

Tow vehicles reverse lights suburban come on and fuses look good. Turn signals and brake lights on boat trailer also work fine. Trailers brakes do not come on if pushed backward by hand not on hitch. If I back up very slowly on flat ground I can sometimes get the trailer to reverse w/o brakes coming on, so clearly a surge brake/solenoid problem? This is the first time I have used the boat trailer this season, and it was right after towing a U-Haul trailer with a different electrical plug connector to my vehicle. However, I switched back to my regular connector for the boat trailer. What do you suggest I try next? Or do you already have a clear diagnosis from my description? thanks,

asked by: Rick J

Expert Reply:

What you are describing is a problem most surge brake setups have that do not have a reverse lockout feature.

Since you said a solenoid problem it sounds like you have an electric reverse lockout solenoid like the part # T4748800 that is not working. You could try checking the reverse light circuit of your trailer connector to determine if the problem is there. There might be corrosion in the connector that is preventing the circuit from working. I would use a circuit tester like our part # 3808 for this to check for voltage on the reverse circuit when the vehicle is put in reverse.

expert reply by: Jameson C