Parts Needed to Allow a Trailer with Surge Brakes to Back Up

Question:

Im trying to find out how to properly wire my 2004 Honda Pilot to tow a boat trailer that has electric brakes. Previously Ive towed a boat with no brakes on the trailer so it hasnt been an issue. However, when I try and back up the new trailer the brakes engage. So I obviously need to wire up the Pilot to be able to disengage the brakes and back up. My question is do I need to just item 20036 or will I need to do something like item ETBC7 and HM47295 or any other brake controller to make my vehicle safe and able to tow properly?

asked by: Brian S

Expert Reply:

Sounds like your boat trailer has surge brakes on it. Is there an electric reverse lock out solenoid like the part # T4748800 at the back of the actuator? The brake line would attach to this and then to the master cylinder of the actuator.

If so and the trailer has a 5-way all you would need is the # 20036 to convert the 4-way of your Pilot to a 5-way so that the solenoid would be activated.

The fifth circuit would get tapped into the reverse light circuit of your vehicle like in the video I attached.

You may also have a manual lock out that would look like a lever on the actuator that would allow you to back up as well. You would need to pull the lever when you need to back the trailer up.

expert reply by: Jameson C