E Brake Hack

I don't have the hand e-brake option on my 550 but use this hack when moving the TD out of the garage with a manual dolly to hitch up. I have to make a left turn out of the garage then swing right and make a 180 turn to line up the TD to the TV. I have a sloping gravel driveway then the yard and then a steep bank and woods. On one occasion for sure, this hack has saved the TD from a trip into the woods. I hook a SUP leash to the safety breakaway brake controller loop on the tongue and the other end to my belt. If the TD gets out of control I jerk the leash and the wheels lock up. I doubt if Cary or Craig would recommend this but seems OK for occasional use as the plastic key on the safety brake controller seems fairly robust and reusable. It also is a good way to verify the breakaway brake is working.

 

I do the same thing. Just remember to disengage the electric brakes as soon as possible. Otherwise the wiring will overheat.

 

Great advice here...

The parking brake is fine for keeping the trailer in one place when it's stopped and going to be stopped. I wouldn't want to reach over the "A" frame to pull the lever in an emergency. Especially if it is rolling toward me. Just jerking the pin -- that's exactly what it is designed for. Int he worst case scenario is you break the switch --- which are cheap compared to broken bones or worse a broken trailer

Just remember the pin is not to hold the trailer stable at a campsite....that would burn out the actuator. Chocks are the solution for that, even if you have the parking brake.

 

Yeah, good tip on replacing the breakaway switch key ASAP.