Disconnecting Power Before Getting Trailer Wet

[papogator24]

On a new tandem (mine anyway), the brakes are locked without power . I have to keep it plugged in.

Yep, me too. I leave mine connected, otherwise they will just lock up.

 

[On Holiday]

I leave mine plugged in. At night it helps with seeing the trailer when loading up.

 

[MLauman]

Which brakes is it that locks up when backing if unplugged cause the release value for pressue on surge brakes will not work. the disk brakes or drum brakes. I was thinking it is drum brakes.

thanks
art

It's disc brakes that lock up.

 

[Morpheus]

Depends on your trailer lights and wiring. Surge breaks also have a lockout pin that you can insert for backing up if your gonna uplug. My lights are LED and are sealed so I can leave them plugged in. Older trailers/lights are bulb and not sealed and can short out.

 

[boatrboy]

I am probably too conservative but I disconnect every time. I think the brake issue depends on the type of brakes. I have surge brakes with a lockout solenoid which traps the fluid in the master cylinder so when "pushing" the trailer in reverse (activated by the reverse light circuit) there is no brake pressure applied to the calipers. So I mention this because the ramp is down hill and the solenoid doesn't matter. In my case my truck brakes keep the boat and trailer from sliding down the ramp. (you guys must have some heavy trailers .)

 

[avguy]

So I mention this because the ramp is down hill and the solenoid doesn't matter. In my case my truck brakes keep the boat and trailer from sliding down the ramp. (you guys must have some heavy trailers .)

I tow with an F-150 and if the ramp is even remotely damp I have got to go slow when backing down or the boat will drag me right into the lake.

 

[dlindz]

I agree on disconnecting power. While backing to ramp I am powered up to disconnect the brake in order to back up in the first place. Once on downward slope; stop and apply E-brake in neutral. Make sure E-brake is holding then place in park. Get out and unplug….back in and finish backing making sure you E-brake in neutral then to park. Launch away and have fun.

 

[AndersonAcres]

Never unplugged either of my two boat trailers. Never had a problem launching and retrieving most every weekend for many summers.

 

[Scottzzzy]

I never have