Trailer brake override question

[Underwaterwelder]

I have a Loadrite trailer with the 5 pin plug on it. I know the blue wire overrides the brakes so you can back up. We had issue backing up the trailer. Put it in reverse and the brakes instantly engaged and couldn’t move backwards at all. Luckily we figured out that my dad put the 5pin to 7 pin adapter on wrong so the blue wire wasn’t connected. (Don’t ask me how he managed to do that but he did….) We hooked the adapter up right and all was good again.

Got me thinking though….. is there a mechanical override instead of just the electric? There is a hole on one side of the coupler right where the surge portion would slide past. Looks like to me if you put a steel bar in there it would prevent the surge brakes from actuating and override the brakes so you could back up if the wire fails. Is this correct?

The coupler looks very similar to the link below. You can see the hole where the sliding part meets the part bolted to the trailer. The hole is only on one side.

20K DISC BRAKE ACTUATOR WITH 2-5/16" COUPLER | Load Rite Trailers

20K ACTUATOR w/ 2-5/16" COUPLER - DISC BRAKES SKU: 6080.60

www.loadrite.com

Thanks for helping me out if a future jam hopefully!

 

[Bill D.]

you are correct, putting a pin in the hole will stop the trailer from being able to compress the brakes. No pressure from the brake fluid (ie. No surge) = no brakes. When the actuator gets power, vehicle in reverse, it allows pressure to be released, ie. No brakes.

 

[Underwaterwelder]

you are correct, putting a pin in the hole will stop the trailer from being able to compress the brakes. No pressure from the brake fluid (ie. No surge) = no brakes. When the actuator gets power, vehicle in reverse, it allows pressure to be released, ie. No brakes.

I figured that’s what the case was. But didn’t want to put a pin in there with out double checking and making sure that’s actually what the hole is for

 

[Bill D.]

I figured that’s what the case was. But didn’t want to put a pin in there with out double checking and making sure that’s actually what the hole is for

All the surge brake trailers I have owned had a pin on a short cable in case it was needed.

 

[Underwaterwelder]

All the surge brake trailers I have owned had a pin on a short cable in case it was needed.

Interesting. This one does not….. but I’m gonna throw something in my trailer box to have handy just in case.

Thanks!

 

[Bill D.]

Zoom in on your loadrite link picture and you will see it.

 

[Underwaterwelder]

Zoom in on your loadrite link picture and you will see it.

I see the emergency pull cable, and the pin to ensure the coupler is locked. (Does the pin that ensures the coupler is locked so double duty?

 

[Bill D.]

You use the coupler pin. Just remember to put it back in place. ( or a large nail will work)

 

[Underwaterwelder]

You use the coupler pin. Just remember to put it back in place. ( or a large nail

I threw a bolt of the right size in the trailer box that i take with me when towing.

Thanks for the help!

 

[ddurand]

My new LoadRite trailer has a pin you pull from the coupler and put it in the hole that will prevent surge braking while backing.

 

[Underwaterwelder]

My new LoadRite trailer has a pin you pull from the coupler and put it in the hole that will prevent surge braking while backing.

Thanks! Mine has the same pin. I just didn’t know it did double duty! Definitely helps! Thank you!