deer dude...on your tongue of the trailer is a spring loaded dealy you need to put a penny in it or have some one hold it while you back up..this spring loaded brake is for if you slam on your brakes, the trailers brakes are activated to help keep from jack knifing. sometimes there is a switch to hold it, but usually i put a penny in it and as soon as you start backing it stays that way til ya stop or go forward.