Magnum Boat Trailer Actuator? Engaging Backing Up

[Holden]

My 2006 magnum boat trailer will engage the brakes just backing up on level ground (even if the boat is off). I see on the tongue/hitch where the pin slides. Is there a way to lock out the brakes? Better option? This just started this season.


I'll post on a b0at forum, too - thought Hornfans would maybe know.

 

[01 grad]

Most likely a grounding issue. Possibly a bad solenoid.

Simple test is to go to back of truck near the actuator and have someone else put vehicle in reverse and see if you hear the solenoid click.

Next check your ground. Run a test ground wire from the trailer frame to your truck chassis and then have someone throw it in reverse. If you now hear a click it was a grounding issue.

If still no click in solenoid, you might have voltage problem from your vehicles harness. Pull harness and check reverse pin with voltmeter.

If all of those test pass then I would guess it is a loose connection at your harness to boat hook-up. Try using some dielectric grease on the pins to see if you can improve connection.

 

[Holden]

Its a mechanical actuator. When force is applied at the tongue, the brakes activate. Problem is, just the weight of the trailer is enough to activate.

 

[01 grad]

Yes, the brakes act on mechanical force. The lock-out mechanism for reverse is an electric solenoid that locks the mechanism and prevents it from surging forward and engaging when in reverse. Unless you have some set-up I'm not aware of.

How many pins are on your wire harness? You must have one that is tied in to your reverse lights. This is what activates the lock-out.

 

[Holden]

I will try this out. Sorry, my ignorance of how these things work got the better of me.

One point though, when I back up at the ramp and there is zero force applied at the tongue the brakes do NOT engage - still a solenoid issue?

 

[01 grad]

Surge brakes won't activate without sufficent force. So that makes sense when backing up with an empty trailer - they might not engage. They are meant to be effective when boat is in tow and the vehicle brakes; the weight of boat and trailer "push" forward and surge brakes kick in. This system creates obvious problems when going in reverse, hence the need for a lock-out of brakes when in reverse. This is where electric soledoid kicks in off your reverse lights and locks the mechanism.

 

[Craigcito]

Maybe you didn't know this, but Magnum is located in Austin on 620 near Anderson Mill Rd. You should just call them and ask.

 

[Holden]

I'm in SA, and have gone by the one here. Surprisingly, several employees were at a loss. I left with a circular metal device that I was told would do the trick. It replaces the piece on top of thye hitch, and if rotated, locks out the brakes. Didn't work. I called the dealer to see if still under warranty - no go, plus they had no idea (but I could "bring it by there if I wanted")

Where is the solenoid - in the hitch or in the axles?

 

[01 grad]

It is on the trailer tougue, inside the actuator. Did you try the grounding wire? Just get a short piece of wire with alligator clips and attach to bare metal of vehicle and trailer frame. I'm betting this is you problem.