Different trailer hook-up

[mattwahm]

Re: Different trailer hook-up

4th and last pic

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Different trailer hook-up

You have the 7 pin connector on your trailer.

That mechanical switch more than likely just locks the coupler from moving so that you don't apply your brkaes in reverse.

Not sure what the last picture is but it looks like a back up solenoid. That is another way to keep the brakes from coming on in reverse.

Not sure what disc brake setup you have is but you can buy replacement calipers or new disc setups. You probably need a new master cylinder for the coupler.

For around $350 in parts, you can put a set of Kodiak brakes and a master cylinder in there if you do the work yourself.

 

[SuperNova]

Re: Different trailer hook-up

They probably went with the 7-pin round on the trailer because that was how their tow vehicle was wired. If you are going to use the brakes you'll need at least a 5-pin flat with the extra wire going to your back-up lamps on the tow vehicles and the by-pass solenoid (allows you to back-up) on the trailer(pic 4). It'll be easier to do that than to attempt to wire your car for the 7-pin round. 'Course if you don't use the brakes(and I recommend you do) you'll only need a 4-pin flat. I personally would choose to rewire the trailer; the connections are probably corroded somewhat at this point anyway and it'll give you a chance to assess the lighting fixtures and replace as necessary. I ran a light boat like yours with no brakes for a little while, until someone pulled out right in front of me and I had to stop quickly. The boat and trailer tried to just push my back end right around. I was in a full-size truck at the time. It was very scary.

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Different trailer hook-up

If it was me, based on your boat's weight, I would take your mechanic's advice and forget about the brakes, providing that you are towing it with a proper vehicle. A 1400lb trailer should not require brakes, and if you need them, you're exceeding the capacities of your tow vehicle to start with. Make sure your tongue weight is good (measure it, don't just bounce on it and guess) and you'll be fine...

 

[mattwahm]

Re: Different trailer hook-up

I am planning to leave the brakes alone and only change out the trailer elect. plug. Considering that I won't be using the brakes, is there any reason why I shouldn't or can't just change to a 4-pin on the trailer since I have a 4-pin on my tow vehicle?

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Different trailer hook-up

That should be fine, providing you know for certain that your trailer brakes will not engage while you're backing...

 

[cbavier]

Re: Different trailer hook-up

If you opt out of using the brakes. Take extreme caution when or if towing in the rain or when the road surface is damp. The boat will push you right through an intersection. You not only have to think of the weight of the boat but add in the weight of fuel, gear, and trailer weight also. keep an extra safe distance for slowing down or stopping.

If you do opt out of the brakes I don't see why you couldn't just wire the boat trailer with the four wire flat plug.

 

[mattwahm]

Re: Different trailer hook-up

Wired the trailer with 4-flat and everything works fine. This rig is only a couple hundred lbs more than my last rig, which the trailer did not have brakes. Regardless of brakes or not, I always take it easy on the road and I am extra cautious around other drivers.

Thanks for the assistance on this.

 

[mattwahm]

Re: Different trailer hook-up

the saga continues...

It turns out that the brakes do work, or so it seems. I tried to back the trailer into the garage tonight and it won't budge. I turned the plate (shown in photo on a previous post) to the right, which it says to do directly on the plate, if you want to back up the trailer. The trailer won't let me back up regardless of what position that plate is in. I can go forward, but not backward. Any suggestions on how to turn the brakes off based on this info?

 

[mattwahm]

Re: Different trailer hook-up

Here's one more picture with the plate off and shown upside down. It's sitting next to the opening on the trailer tongue that plates fits into. When the plate is attached, you're supposed to turn it clockwise in order to back up. Unfortunately I cannot back up at all right now.

Sorry about the picture quality. It was very dark outside.