M101A2 Brake Lockout Hole

[dnote]

My surge brakes work great, too good when reversing. I bought a 3/8 hitch pin for the lockout hole and it fits except the holes aren't lining up so well. I'm sure if I hammered it in it would fit but I don't want to have to rely on that. Plus getting it out would be a chore.

Is there a possibility of damaging anything important if I run a drillbit through the holes to shave off a hair so the pin will slide through effortlessly?

 

[gimpyrobb]

Yes, you can screw things up when forcing them! Try pulling forward, then installing the pin.

Edit, if on a hill, you may need to set the brakes, then pull forward. You should be able to see through the brake assembly before inserting pin.

 

[juanprado]

Sounds like your surge housing or frame is slightly tweaked

 

[dnote]

I can see through it but the hole in the internal piece is a hair lower than the two holes through the actual surge brake housing.

 

[dnote]

It's a vertical misalignment rather than a horizontal like people usually have

 

[Terracoma]

It's a vertical misalignment rather than a horizontal like people usually have

I have the same issue with an M116A2E1 trailer, but have not torn it apart to investigate...

 

[rosco]

I suspect that the slight misalignment is wear on the fibre bushings/parallel side bars, that the pintle ring swings on. There are 8 of them.

 

[dnote]

How would I go about realigning them? It's probably only off 1/16" or so, maybe a hair more (literally).

 

[Trailboss]

You could try using a drift pin to re-align the holes from each side, then slide the pin in. You may still have to use a hammer to knock out the pin after use, so keep the drift pin or smaller diameter bolt and hammer handy. The trailer should not be hitched when you do this.

Or use a smaller diameter hitch pin. If you only use the pin for backing up, a 1/4 inch bolt or pin would be adequate.

 

[73m819]

I would just use a long 3/8: drill, just ream out the hole so the 3/8 " pin slides in, do this while HOOKED UP because this is the condition of the trailer when backing and the holes will be where they should be. set the brakes, pull forward, drill, this should do it for you.

 

[harleyhouse]

I use a long Phillips screw driver on mine. locked in place with a zip tie.
The tapered end finds it's own center and works fine.

 

[quickfarms]

I have never had to lock out the brakes when in reverse, unless backing up a hill, if the shock is good and you take it easy.

 

[LowTech]

I have one w/ that issue. I just want to lock it out untill I get a chance to redo the whole brack system. The MC was empty when we got it, and right now it only gets used to do dump runs.

 

[dnote]

I have never had to lock out the brakes when in reverse, unless backing up a hill, if the shock is good and you take it easy.

Pretty sure my shock is in good order, feels like it is anyways. I've had the brakes lock up a bit when backing up with a load in it.

 

[dnote]

I would just use a long 3/8: drill, just ream out the hole so the 3/8 " pin slides in, do this while HOOKED UP because this is the condition of the trailer when backing and the holes will be where they should be. set the brakes, pull forward, drill, this should do it for you.

Precisely what I was thinking.

 

[gimpyrobb]

Why not fix whats wrong with it instead of some "jerry rigging"?

 

[dnote]

Why not fix whats wrong with it instead of some "jerry rigging"?

I don't know of anything is actually in need of fixing or if it's just the way it is, and if something is broke, I'm asking how to fix it.

 

[quickfarms]

Pretty sure my shock is in good order, feels like it is anyways. I've had the brakes lock up a bit when backing up with a load in it.

I have used these trailers to haul a lot. It is not uncommon for me to scale right at 3/4 ton, yet I have yet to have my brakes lock up, or even drag, when backing up.

My suggestion is to use a light foot.

Are you backing over a curb when this occurs?

Are your brakes, including the hand brakes, and wheel bearings correctly adjusted and serviced?

Is your hitch set to tow the trailer level?

 

[dnote]

When backing into the front yard there is a big dip (where a curb would and should be). It'll lock up there.
Brakes are all working right except when spinning a wheel I can hear something making contact. I wouldn't think that would affect the brakes locking up in reverse though.

 

[quickfarms]

When backing into the front yard there is a big dip (where a curb would and should be). It'll lock up there.
Brakes are all working right except when spinning a wheel I can hear something making contact. I wouldn't think that would affect the brakes locking up in reverse though.

Are you talking a hole or a drainage ditch?