Trailer brakes and how to make them work right

[JimR]

I think you are right on this issue. That way the trailer is not activating the brakes when I do not want them to be working. I do have a lock out pin that I insert into the tongue for backing up, homemade and very cheap.

I still would foresee a downhill issue also. The only 2 differences I knew of,(disc vs. drum) reverse solenoid and higher pressure (disc is higher). You may want to look at adding an electro/hydraulic actuator instead. Not a cheap alternative by any means, but ........

 

[Oldtractorfixer]

You stated the brakes are rated 6K on one axle but you probably only have 3500# axles if your trailer is rated 7200#. Sure sounds to me like the brakes are overloaded. I'd put put the brakes on the second axle so they work half as hard. I'd bet your problem pretty much goes away.