Frozen trailer.

It doesn't happen very much, but I take my small sledge hammer and gentle tap around all the trailer brake drums. Never has failed me over many years. Pull forward in low gear and they have released everytime. On another note if you ever have a frozen padlock on your trailer, just tap each side a few times, and my key has moved easily and the lock unlocks. Put that stove away...lol

 

When the shoes freeze to the drums, 1st try reverse, backing pops them loose easier than forward. When that fails get the 4lb. Hammer out and crawl under, not many other options.

Now if it's a brake valve or airline, well a warmer day would be really helpful!! some type of artificial tropical temperature, like the torpedo heater does well. To avoid it, I like to dump a little air brake antifreeze/conditioner right into each glad hand, not often but a few times each cold season, and drain them tanks regularly!

 

I do the same, first reserve it try to break it free, then pull forward. Then hammer the drum. Or find a curb.

 

[QUOTE="6wheeler, post: 5022609, ]

In case of emergency, try a small starter log, and keep the fire extinguisher close by.[/QUOTE] What could possibly go wrong with a plan that requiresa fire extinguisher close by?

 

IF your brake shoes are frozen by ice. Spraying wd-40 or brake cleaner might melt the ice. Tapping with hammer may release. I have been lucky with just releasing and setting brakes and repeating a few times.
As mentioned rolling reverse seems to release brakes better than forward, not sure why.
To prevent frozen shoes, driving the last mile with trailer brakes slightly applied should heat the drums enough to evaporate moisture in the drums.
If wet or snowy I don't set my brakes until after the drums have cooled down.
To cool tires down after driving so your tires don't melt into a frozen parking lot. When you get a parking spot. Roll about 20' back and forth to cool down.
Good luck.

 

If you go under the trailer to beat the drums remember to set your tractor brakes first...