I had occassion to do some work on my trailer plug this weekennd. In doing so, during the quality assurance and safety followup check my digital VOM reflected that when the truck (Dodge RAM... :teeth ) lights were off there was no electricity flowing to the trailer, duh. So I got to wondering why all the concern about unplugging cuz I thought the thread started where one backs the trailer into the water. Sure glad to find out it was just being backed into a driveway and that the cord was too short. Thought I was loosing it for a moment!
Brakes locking up in reverse with plug off
- Thread starter Anita Marie
- Start date
This is true! If you have the new LED lights on your trailer, it's no longer necessary to disconnect the plug from the tow vehicle before launching. This is because the LEDs don't get hot like the old bulbs, so there's no danger of them popping when hitting the cold water. But still, to back up with disc brakes, you need that extra wire connected to your backup lights to keep the brakes from locking up. Otherwise, you need to move that lever to the backup position manually.
Wow... Sealife is right... I forgot all about those lamps getting hot... :crook
My first boat (which I still have) has trailer lamps for sure, but they are way up high on the centering rollers, so they never got wet... :embarrased
Sure glad I have LEDs for two reasons: 1) Like TyBoo said they sure are pretty under the water; and 2) I don't hafta mess with the plug. :thup
My first boat (which I still have) has trailer lamps for sure, but they are way up high on the centering rollers, so they never got wet... :embarrased
Sure glad I have LEDs for two reasons: 1) Like TyBoo said they sure are pretty under the water; and 2) I don't hafta mess with the plug. :thup
Sealife":3smqru1l said:
I've not experienced any problem unplugging my electrical before launching. Must be because all the launch ramps I've encountered are "down hill" so there is no pressure on the surge brakes. Any other time, when backing I keep it plugged in.
P.S. Suppose, that if I ever had a problem with the brakes locking up, I'm sure the Dodge Cummins Diesel would back 'er up anyhow! :lol:
P.S.S. For a situation such as you are experiencing Fred where you are unable to plug in the electrical, I utilize a bolt as Starcraftom described in his first "Sept. 24" post and it keeps the brakes from activating. (I use this method when I'm moving that trailer around with the tractor and have no electrical connection).
Fred -
A similar question came up on another forum site, and I got tired of hearing about it so I looked around for a manual valve. Them things are pretty cheap, after all. This one can be had for $14.49, and would be a simple install.
I found the thing here, but you can probably find something similar at the local NAPA store. Elegant, indeed!
A similar question came up on another forum site, and I got tired of hearing about it so I looked around for a manual valve. Them things are pretty cheap, after all. This one can be had for $14.49, and would be a simple install.
I found the thing here, but you can probably find something similar at the local NAPA store. Elegant, indeed!
