Recommendation for Wiring to Allow Backing Up With Electric Lockout Solenoid on Surge Brake Trailer

Question:

When backing up my boat trailer I need a line to release the brakes .the four wire plug I think does not work my old system I wire a line to the parking lights, so I had to turn them on to back up . Chrysler town and county 2011 is my vehicle thanks

asked by: Bruce K

Expert Reply:

For your electric lockout solenoid on your trailer, I don't recommend using the parking lights as your signal. Although this works for daytime without issue, at night you will lose all of your trailer braking.

Instead, I recommend you use the Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connectors # DW05744-5 and the Hopkins Endurance 5-Way Flat Trailer Wiring Kit - Vehicle and Trailer Ends # HM47890. This will give you a clean connection between your trailer and vehicle and allow you to properly connect your 5th function to your reverse lights on your vehicle side and connect that function to your electric lockout solenoid on your trailer side.

This will also allow your vehicle to tow other trailers with a 5 way, or will allow you to tow any trailer with the 4-way connection without issue. I've attached an article on wiring to assist.

expert reply by: Jason S