Electric Lockout on Boat Trailer Surge Coupler Doesn't Activate With Truck in Reverse

Question:

When I hook up to my boat trailer and try to back up the trailer brakes lock up when I hook up my Chevy Silverado it works just fine or a dodge ram what could be the problem

asked by: Neal

Helpful Expert Reply:

It sounds like your boat trailer has a hydraulic brake actuating coupler with an electric lockout solenoid. The lock out solenoid receives power through the 7-way trailer connector when the tow vehicle is placed in reverse. The solenoid closes, which prevents the brakes from actuating.

If the solenoid doesn't work when you're towing with your Ford F250, it sounds like the center pin on your 7-way connector installed at the rear bumper isn't tied in to the reverse light circuit of the truck.

Find the wiring harness feeding the 7-way, and find the wire that feeds the center pin. Tap that wire into the circuit that feeds the reverse lamps on your truck, you can use a quick splice connector like # SWC502905-1 to tap into the reverse lamp circuit. Once you have the center pin of the 7-way tied into the reverse lamp circuit, it will power up the lockout solenoid when the truck is in reverse, allowing you to back the trailer without the brakes applying.

expert reply by: Mike L