Trailer not moving

[NewbieBoater]

New problem! Sorry help please!
De Gaff trailer seems brakes are stuck on could this be another issue? is there a way to check fix breaks with the boat on the trailer!?
Can just a normal car mechanic do the trailer breaks?
Any ideas advise greatly received
Thank you

[Clive]

I have a De Graaf trailer I got new for my boat. They say you shouldn’t park the trailer with the brakes on as the brake shoes bind to to brake drum. Chock the wheels instead and only use the brake lever when you are unhitching or hitching.
I think you can hitch up and rock back and forward to try and release the brake shoes in the drums. Also keep the cable greased - you should have grease nipples to lube brake and hitch parts.

[Clive]

Also! If you reverse the trailer to park, once in position you need to apply the trailer hand brake and drive forward a few cm. This will pull the tow bracket back into position rather than leave it in the reversing position.
Any mechanic will be able to fix if all fails, they are standard car drum brakes.
Good luck!

[NewbieBoater]

That's great, Thank you Clive
Have tried the rocking but got nowhere.
Will ask a mechanic and also ask them to show me the bits to grease.
Also had no idea about not leaving the brake on, have been chocking anyway but with the break on also.
Thank you again

[NewbieBoater]

Thanks all, tapped around the wheels with lump hammer, as could not get the trailer to move at all and all released. Cheers

[Clive]

Won’t be doing that again!! Glad it’s sorted.