We're having a problem with the "sliding bolt device" (I have no idea what the device is actually called) located on the tongue of the boat trailor. The device slides into the locking position whenever we reverse. Can anyone tell me what this device is for and perhaps share some suggestions on how to fix the problem. Our solution has been duct taping the head of a bolt into the "slide" which prevents the locking when reversing. Obviously, we need a better solution! Thanks for the help.

Your problem is probaly wiring. If your truck is not wired for reverse lights it will not unlock the brakes when backing up. If it has a 5 way plug on the trailer you have to have a reverse light hot wire coming from the truck to deactivate the brakes when backing up. Hopes this helps!

It sounds like you're referring to the brake actuator. If it's sliding into position then you don't have power to it in reverse. Power thru the blue wire will disengage the actuator and allow you to back up without the brakes on.

Check the truck to ensure the trailer brake fuse hasn't blown. This is the typical problem. Most trucks have a the trailer reverse lights fuse separate from the truck reverse light fuse. If this fuse is good then you need to check for power to the actuator under the trailer tongue.

To get around it without using the bolt, unplug the trailer plug and plug the brown wire on the truck side into the blue wire on the trailer side. Turn on your running lights and back up.

I am not sure by your description but it sounds like the trailer has brakes and when you slow the truck or put it in reverse the brakes are activated by the depressing of the tongue of the trailer.

Jody

Thanks for the help. This will definatley help when we trailor the boat for tournaments. Now, 99.9 percent of the time, we launch our boat with a tractor. We live in a marina on texoma and use our kubota to quickly hook up the boat and not have to mess with the trucks. Since we can't plug into the tractor, does anyone have any suggestions how to simply eliminate the brake actuator altogether?

My stepdad had the same prolblem with his Ranger. He made a contraption out of a C clamp and welded two square pieces on each part of the C clamp and it works wonders

Easy solution and one that every dealer uses when they pull boats around the yard with a tractor. Run one hot wire to the hitch on the tractor with a foot or so of extra wire. Put a connector on it and plug it into the blue wire on the trailer. This one power wire is all you need since you don't need trailer lights or anything other than the reverse capability.

You should have gotten a key looking thing that fits in the slot behind the slide pin. this stops the toung from moving back and actuating the breakes. I put a magnet on mine which holds it in place.

Thanks to all who posted. You have been more than helpful. We don't have the key looking thing, but the idea about running the hot wire from the tractor sounds like a winner.

Either hot wire a small wire for the end blue wire, or use the lock out key. EZ Loader should have them, and if they don't our parts dept would be happy to send you one.

BCB

Stump,Had the same problem . The problem was in the wiring on my truck. The blue wire was not hooked up. This wire disengages the brake actuator. Joes hitch fixed it for 20.00 bucks

Yep, your bolt is the same thing that should have come with the trailer...a piece of metal that just fits better than your bolt. But as everyone has said there is a better way to fix the problem.

thanks again to everyone for the help