Troubleshooting Hydraulic Brakes Not Engaging on Boat Trailer
Updated 03/06/2023 | Published 03/02/2023
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Question:
I just purchased a boat with disc break system and what look like some type of break fluid reservoir by the front of the trailer hitch. I have a 2016 F-150 that I had to install an aftermarket hitch assembly that mounts to the bottom of the truck. It did have a prewired 4 pin connector on the truck. The boat I purchased is a 25foot Tahoe 254 deck boat 2005 and its respective trailer. The trailer has a 5 pin connector. I am unfamiliar with how the breaking system works on this trailer but pulling it home it felt like it was just my truck doing the breaking. I would like advice on how I can best utilize the breaking system on the trailer or does it work with surge from breaking momentum only? Id be happy to send picks if you would like.
asked by: David D
Expert Reply:
Because of the 5-way I'm sure you have a surge brake actuator which works on momentum only. The 5th pin is for electric lockout, which will allow you to back up the trailer without the brakes engaging. However, I would expect you to notice the brakes engaging when your vehicle brakes so I would check to make sure the system is working properly.
The easiest way to find if they're working is to back the trailer up without the 5-way connected and see if you get resistance from the brakes. Make sure you take caution and do this slowly. Realistically the brakes will keep you from backing up. If you aren't sure, go ahead and hook up the trailer connector and see if you notice a difference. Since you currently have a 4-way you will need the Curt Trailer Connector Adapter # C57187 to connect to your trailer and use the electric lockout.
You can also unhook the trailer and jack up a wheel with the other side chocked on the ground. Using a board you will compress the actuator to engage the brakes. Have a friend help out and spin the wheel that is off the ground to see if the brakes are working. I have attached a help article below which outlines this process under step 2, method 2.
If the brakes aren't working correctly, you will need to make sure the master cylinder has enough brake fluid. You can also check the brake pads to see if they are worn out. If you let me know what kind of brakes you have and their capacity I can see about replacement brake pads. I would also check out the lines to make sure you don't have any leaks.
If everything checks out it could be an issue with the actuator. You could attempt to repair or replace parts depending on the model and brand assuming they're still made. Alternatively, you could you could replace it with one like the # DM62VR which fits a 3" wide trailer tongue. This features a Drop-N-Go auto-latch for a quick and easy connection, fits a 2" ball, and has a capacity of 7,500 lbs.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator w/ Electric Lockout - Disc - 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
- Disc Brakes
- Electric Lockout
- Demco
more information >
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