what is the best hook up for trailer electrical?

[Fasterblaster]

I've got a dual axle Shorelander with surge brakes for my 200 Select.

It came with the 5 pin flat connector. My truck has a 4 pin flat.

I launch in salt and boy do those puppies every corrode quickly. Its time to replace both connectors... i'll be more dilligent in keeping them out of the water from now on.

The question is, which is the best connector for my application? Flat or round. I saw a round unit at West marine which was brass. I thought that might be better than those really cheap and cheaply made flat 4 pin units.

If anybody has a slick set up, i'd love to see some pics of its.

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[wish2fish]

I con't help you with the 4 to 5 pin converter but would using bulb or dieletric grease on a regular basis help prevent exposure to the salt?

 

[SearayPaul]

Depends on your tow set up and if you were going to tow heavy. If you are going to tow heavy you need a 7 pin on the truck and a 5 pin on the trailer. If you are not going to two heavy go with a 5 pin on the truck and trailer.

The bigger concern is why are your connectors corroding. The connectors should last a long time.

 

[Morpheus]

First thing I can think of is why are your connectors getting salt water on them?

 

[cjudge01]

4 to5

The 5th pin is a reverse lockout electronic release so get at least a 5 pin. Check out west marine for a coiled cord

 

[beerman]

You will need a five wire to a five wire connector. It sounds like your tow vehicle is not wired properly for your trailer. I ran into this with my truck and trailer. 5th wire is reverse lockout.

 

[Fasterblaster]

well that reverse lock-out will be really useful. Ive lost the manual plug you stick in the cam to stop the brakes from engaging. I resorted to jumping out of the truck and using a c-clamp with a socket. I like the idea of not having to get out of the truck. Thanks alot.

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from now on, i'll uplug the electrical and keep it out of the water when i launch.

 

[alinmaui]

look for more rust

If you launch your boat in salt water and your connections were getting wet, I would also check the other parts of the two vehicle, That salt water is not very good for the back end of a vehicle. Hosing off the vehicle helps, but a rear end dip in the salt water gets into everything. Gent a longer trailer tongue or a slid tongue so your rear tires do not have to touch salt water. Hope only your plugs got wet. :smt001

 

[Searay Jim]

well that reverse lock-out will be really useful. Ive lost the manual plug you stick in the cam to stop the brakes from engaging. I resorted to jumping out of the truck and using a c-clamp with a socket. I like the idea of not having to get out of the truck. Thanks alot.

If you have a manual lockout, 99% chance you don't have the lockout solenoid so it won't matter. You can probably install one but you be best served to contact your trailer manufacture unless you know what actuator and MC they use.

 

[beerman]

I thought the electric reverse lockout was for disc brakes?