What Mechanisms Allow a Trailer with Surge Brakes to Back Up a Hill

Updated 07/05/2023 | Published 07/03/2023

Question:

Bought a boat on a DHM dual axel trailer Vin 4KUBS1923KC109442 with drum brakes on the front wheels. Can I back the trailer UP a driveway to the garage without locking up the brakes? Another trailer we had had a pin that you moved to a locking point to deactivate the brakes when backing up an incline. I dont see that feature on this trailer. Do you know if there is a feature on this DHM trailer that allows you to back a trailer up a incline without locking the brakes? Thanks

asked by: Jim H

Expert Reply:

I don't have a way to look up what type of actuator is on your trailer but there is definitely a chance it can back up a hill without brakes locking up. If you can't find a manual lockout you might have an electric lock out which you can verify by seeing if two wires run to the back of the actuator. Or the brake assemblies might be free-backing plates which do allow for reversing.

If the trailer has a 5-way or 7-way connector as opposed to a 4-way that would be good indicator you have free-backing plates.

expert reply by: Jameson C