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

If you have disc brakes, there should be a back up lock out solenoid. It may be bad, or not getting power.

You need to have a lock-out key like this that fits in the part on the tongue that slides.

Check the wiring connection from the vehicle to the trailer. You require a 5 wire system where the blue wire from the trailer is connected to the back up light circuit of the vehicle. When the vehicle is put in reverse the solenoid will release pressure put on the cylinder when backing up. Also make sure all ground connections are in good condition.

You may have a blown fuse or bad connection. Specifically in your reverse wire. When you put the vehicle in reverse it should release the brakes. Also there should be a button release under the hitch in case you have had it locked up. The key in the pic above works great but anything will do in a pinch as long as it keeps the brakes from kicking in. I've used a nickel to lock out the brakes when I couldn't find anything else.

Well, as all boaters, we should be used to only having a nickel's cash on hand!

On mine, the little black rubber cap is removed for an optional lock-out device in addition to the electronic lock-out.

http://www.ufpnet.com/PDF/Actuators.PDF

The brake actuator on my trailer has not only the wiring for the lock out but a pin that can be inserted as well. Check out the pics.

http://www.tiedown.com/aactuator.html

DeepV,

That is my hitch (or just like it). I have been to Magnum and they gave me the metal lockout device, but no go.

On that same hitch, I can't see where a nickel would go - any ideas.

I have had the trailer going on two years and this just started - I have the 5 pin harness. I guess I should check the solenoid.

How to do this? Where is it located?

I have that same hitch, I feel your pain.
The solenoid is underneath between the actuator and the brake tubing heading back. Follow the wire and you'll find it. You'll see a hose coming from one side that returns back up to the reservoir.
In my opinion, these units are not the best. But because they are welded in, it would take a lot of work to change it to a different design.

The GOOD NEWS in all of this is that your brakes are working. . .

Like that others have said, its a backing solenoid (disc), drums should be the 'free backing' type.

It is actually a good way to test the brakes - back up without the solenoid connected.

tpenfield - glad to see you're still alive! Been a while!

If your vehicle has the factory harness there is a second fuse for the back-up cicuit. List the tow vehicle and someone will chime in with info on where to find it.

I know, it seems that I have been busy doing other things over the winter. I am way behind on getting my boat ready for summer. I made good progress this weekend, though.

If you look at DeepV's pic, furthest right of the blue where the pin is located, to the left of this pin is a space. Put something in this space so it can't move to the left or toward the boat.