Solution For Pushing Trailer Without Brake Actuator Lockout With Front Hitch Uphill

Updated 06/13/2022 | Published 06/11/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator - Drum - Zinc - 2" Ball - 7,000 lbs

(339)

$152.75

Hydraulic Trailer Brake Kit - Uni-Servo - Free Backing - 10" - Left/Right Hand - 3,500 lbs

(238)

$169.69

Reverse Lockout Solenoid Kit for Demco DA66B and DA70 Hydraulic Brake Actuators - Non-Bypass

(33)

$78.38

Dexter Brake Actuator with Manual Lockout - Bolt On - Drum - 2" Ball - 7,500 lbs

(12)

$362.48

Question:

Hello, We have this hitch installed on our boat trailer. We now have to park in a tight spot. I have ordered a front hitch for my truck, as some research has indicated that this will really help our parking situation. I ordered the front hitch from here, the Curt front mount 31198. Will I have trouble pushing this trailer hitch uphill into parking spot because of the fact that it does not have a lock out? Now I am worried I cant use a front hitch with it at all, making my situation impossible. I really need help!

asked by: Kimberly A

Expert Reply:

You are correct, pushing the trailer with the # DM72VR uphill will cause the brakes to activate so this will be a problem. Typically you could add an electric lockout using the # DM5836, but since you are pushing it forward you would need some custom wiring to get power since you are driving forward and a 5-way only works in reverse. Assuming you don't want to install custom wiring I have two possible solutions.

The first is to get a different coupler. You could use the Brake Actuator with Manual Lockout - Bolt On - Drum - 2" Ball - 7,500 lbs # T4500600. This fits a 3" wide tongue and has an equivalent capacity to what you have now. The manual lockout will allow you to keep the brakes from activating while pushing the trailer with your front hitch.

The other option would be to replace your current brakes with free backing brakes like the # AKFBBRK-35. Free back brakes will allow you to back up without using a lockout on your actuator. These particular brakes are 10" assemblies which will work for your typical 3,500 lb axle.

I have attached a link to all of our free backing brakes for you to check out if you need a different size/capacity.