Troubleshooting Non-Electric Drum Brakes on an EZ Loader Trailer That Lock Up Moving Forward

Updated 07/10/2023 | Published 07/07/2023

Question:

E Trailer, I have an old EZ Loader Duel axle trailer for my 1989 Bayliner boat. It doesnt have electric brakes. It has drum brakes. The backing plates are only about 2 years old, and maybe 200 miles. Most of lauching is fresh water. Majority of the time after weve launched our boat and the trailers been sitting, well try and retrieve our boat but one or more of the trailer wheels will be locked up. One or more of the wheels will not spin going forward, however when I reverse it spins. Wheels are always during forward movement. Most of the time I can break the wheel loose by going in revers and forward numerous times. This last outing the problem was worse and brakes locked up during launch, once boat was off the trailer, preventing us from parking the trailer and taking the boat out on the water. This has been an issue for YEARS with this trailer. I thought when I replaced the backing plate a few years ago it would fix the problem but its almost like its got worse. Ive been watching videos and reading material on the web but I cant find whats causing my issue. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks No boating this weekend

asked by: Darren J

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you have surge brakes on your EZ Loader Duel axle trailer for your 1989 Bayliner. If your brakes are locking up when trying to move forward, it sounds like there is a mechanical error happening and it is most likely happening in the coupler. Something like a sticking piston in the wheel cylinder keeping pressure on the brake shoes or a plunger in the master cylinder that is not releasing.

There is a shock like the # T2336200 in the coupler to help the coupler return to position after compressing. When that fails, you can have the brakes locking up like you are experiencing. Depending on your exact coupler, this may or may not be a replaceable part.

But I would focus your attention on the coupler for your brakes, rather than the brake assemblies themselves.

expert reply by: Scott S