How Does 5-Way Flat Connector Control Surge Brakes On 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe

Question:

I have a 5 flat pin connector on my boat trailer and it has trailer brakes....how are the brakes applied to the trailer through this plug wiring? Do I need a brake controller?

asked by: Brian S

Expert Reply:

You will not need a trailer brake controller as boat trailers use hydraulic surge brakes to apply the braking pressure instead of electric brakes and do not require any electric for the brakes to be engaged. Surge brakes are activated by the force of the trailer being pushed into the trailer hitch when you apply your brakes, which engages a hydraulic cylinder to apply the brakes on the trailer.

The 5th pin of the 5-way connector on your boat trailer gets wired to the reverse lights of your vehicle to disengage the surge brakes while you are backing up or your trailer would constantly apply the brakes due to the force of your trailer hitch pushing on the trailer and make backing up difficult.

The Hopkins Endurance Multi-Tow 7-, 5- and 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector # HM48470 you were looking at will work if you have a 7-way connector currently but will require you to cut your factory connector off the harness to install. I have a few options that do not require cutting your factory harness.

If you have a 4-way connector on your 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe you can use the Curt Trailer Connector Adapter - 4-Way Flat to 5-Way Flat # C57187 which will simply plug into your 4-way connector and only require you to run one wire to your reverse light circuit.

If you have a 7-way connector on your Tahoe you can use the Hopkins Multi-Tow Trailer Connector Adapter - 7-Way to 5-Wire Flat/4-Wire Flat # HM47675.