How To Activate Manual Lockout Or Electric Lockout On DA86 Demco When Reversing Trailer In Gravel?

Updated 08/15/2025 | Published 07/21/2025

Question:

How do I activate the manual lockout? I want to be able to reverse in my gravel driveway alongside my shop. It keeps pushing the tires when I have my equipment on the trailer.

asked by: Janet

Expert Reply:

Janet, it’s simple. There’s a small tab on the Demco 8600lb Drum Brake actuator # DM78CV that you swing into place and pin (this prevents the inner slide from pushing in during reverse). Its a great backup even if your solenoid fails or your tow vehicle isn’t wired for reverse power.

If you actually want to wire it up electronically, which is what I recommend, I can help you out with that too. You just run a solenoid wire to the reverse wire on the back of your tow vehicle (or the trailer if it has a reverse wire), and then one wire to the trailer ground.

What equipment do you typically use/park at your shop? Any skidsteers?

expert reply by: Andrew N

Andrew N.

8/15/2025

Hey Janet, did the manual lockout on your Demco brake actuator work for reversing in your gravel driveway? I'm curious because it could help others with similar setups.