Trailer hand break

Dalehelman

While following a different thread. They were discussing the idea of needing a brake. To help stop your trailer while manually moving it around on a slope surface. Got me to thinking. I think early T@Bs have a hand brake. The newer ones with electric brakes have an emergency breakaway switch. By simply installing a momentary switch to the electric breakaway circuit. You would effectively have a controllable hand brake. Your thoughts.

ericnliz

Good idea Dale.
Brings up a couple of questions though:
#1 Where would you install the switch where it would be handy to get to, especially if you were moving the trailer by yourself? 
#2 How would you be able to access the switch to the brake-away circuit, and would it be in effect like an interrupter switch?  Thanks

Photomom

How much current do the electric brakes draw, and could they run your trailer battery down if you left them on too long?

Dalehelman

I would put it on a 3' to4' flexible cord. Maybe self coiling. I think if you just ground the wire going to the breakaway switch the brakes  engage. I would use a remote starter button like  mechanics use to use.

Dalehelman

Photomom said:

How much current do the electric brakes draw, and could they run your trailer battery down if you left them on too long?

This is something you would apply for a few second at a time up to a minute or two. Not a long term brake  solution. Current draw would not be an issue.

Vermonster

Yes the early t@bs with the surge brakes have a hand brake.  Which leads to a story illustrating why one should use a checklist.  While pulling out of a tight campsite my wife Sharon was spotting for me.  Next thing I know she's waving her arms and screaming THE WHEELS ARENT TURNING!   Yup, I sheepishly went back and released the handbrake

Homebodyatheart

I'm thinking that activating my husband to "helpful" mode will solve most of my trailer to garage issues... ;-)