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Thread: Rookie trailering question
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09-22-2017, 09:58 AM #1Member
- Join Date
- Sep 2017
- Location
- Memphis, TN
- Posts
- 81
Rookie trailering question
So i am taking my first boat out for the first time ever this weekend. played around at home with driving it and immediately learned about surge brakes. Here is my question. Seems like most recommend unplugging trailer lights from the truck before going down the ramp but that would enable the surge brakes. So does everyone use that freakin little key every time they go down the ramp?? Trying to find out the best method so as not to look like a total newb on the ramp. Thanks guys
2016 Moomba Helix
Brittany Blue and Gunmetal Flake
Full Wetsounds Upgrade
1100 FatSacs
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09-22-2017, 10:08 AM #2
Leave it plugged in.
2016 Moomba Mojo
2006 Supra 24SSV - Traded
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09-22-2017, 10:12 AM #3Senior Member
- Join Date
- Sep 2005
- Location
- Claytor Lake, VA
- Posts
- 598
The 5th wire on the trailer plug is to disable the brakes in reverse.
2005 Mobius LSV
325 EFI
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09-22-2017, 10:13 AM #4Senior Member
- Join Date
- Apr 2013
- Location
- Richmond, VA
- Posts
- 123
I don't think anyone unplugs the trailer when backing down the ramp.
My tip is don't rush, just back up slow. Enjoy the new ride!2017 Axis T23
2014 Supra SC350 Sold
2012 Outback V - Sold
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09-22-2017, 10:14 AM #5
Yep. Leave it plugged in and reverse down the ramp.
2016 Craz
2007 LSV - Sold
2003 Outback - Sold
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09-22-2017, 10:14 AM #6
I asked my dealer the same question, as our previous boat/trailer did not have brakes. We would always unplug the harness to avoid any electrical shorts (1997 trailer).
He said to leave it plugged into the vehicle and only to use that key in emergency situations. The LED's are sealed (unlike older bulb lights) and for people with the runway lighting on the trailer it requires that the harness is connected to vehicle.2015 Mondo
1997 Monterey 196 (gone but not forgotten)
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09-22-2017, 10:15 AM #7
Going down the ramp won't engage the surge breaks. Trying to back up an incline without being plugged in will.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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09-22-2017, 10:17 AM #8
I leave my lights plugged in every time.
Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk2016 Craz.
Enzo bags.
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09-22-2017, 10:17 AM #9
The newer trailers are designed to be dunked while plugged in now a days. As others stated your break release if part of your plug in and you will know when it's not working. Load all your gear in the prep area so when it's time you are just dunking the boat and not taking too much time on the ramp. Take your time, being new to boating it gets stressful. Congrats and good luck with the main voyage.
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09-22-2017, 11:29 AM #10Senior Member
- Join Date
- May 2016
- Location
- West Milwaukee, WI
- Posts
- 283
I and my dad have never unplugged in the more than 35 years we've had boats. Never an issue.
2004 Mobius LS - hooked on footin'
Former tow: 1986 Chaparral 178 XL, 90hp Merc
First tow: 197x Glasspar Citation, 135hp Merc