Will the Tekonsha P2 Brake Controller Activate While Backing Down a Boat Ramp

Question:

I am converting a boat trailer from surge drum brakes to Electric/hydraulic drum system with Jeffrey Ls help. I particularly want to be sure the trailer brakes engage while backing down a steep boat ramp. How does a proportional controller such as Tekonsha P2 knowinch to apply brakes when it is designed to measure the rate of deceleration of the tow vehicle? I would think it would actually sense acceleration in this case! Thank you!

asked by: Dan C

Expert Reply:

Typically people unplug their trailer connectors when they back their trailer into water as electricity and water generally don't mix. However, if you have submersible trailer lights you should be fine in theory.

A proportional controller would not activate your trailer brakes while backing down a steep ramp because of how slow you would be moving. The only option you would have would be to use the manual override lever of the P2 Brake Controller part # 90885 to apply the amount of braking needed.

The P2 will still work in reverse though. If you are backing up and apply the brakes it will sense the deceleration and apply the brakes as needed.

expert reply by: Jameson C