Surge brakes and reverse binding

[hotrodelrod]

Is there another way to keep the surge brakes from engaging in reverse other than getting out and shoving a screwdriver between the actuator and trailer tounge? Truck is an 05 Excursion 6.0

Thanks in advance!

[Arizona_SVO]

Depends on the hookup - on some surge brake trailers, they have a reverse wire hooked into the connector that deactivates the surge brakes via a solenoid when the tow vehicle is put into reverse. I have no idea when this was added - so I suppose depending on your setup, the answer could be no. Some jayco pop-up trailers use this setup... other types have 'free-backing trailer brakes' which is supposed to move the brake pads away from the drum when backing up.

I would start by looking at your connection to ensure there is a reverse hookup wire and solenoid, and see if it goes into your surge actuator - if yes, you most likely have a malfunction somewhere in that setup - if you do not have that wire, you may want to look into seeing if it can be added - or you could always go to electric brakes and completely disable the surge. I have no idea as to how to tell if you have free-backing trailer brakes - although I hear they are usually on drum type brakes.

Perhaps others can chime in about what they do...