Is a 7-Way Round Connector Used to Activate Surge Brakes on Boat Trailer

Published 08/28/2015

Question:

I have a 2008 Chevrolet Siverado. My boat trailer has surge brakes. I have bought a seven round adapter to plug trailer lights etc up. My question is which of the screws on the 7 round makes the surge brakes work. I currently have it hooked to the screw labeled blue which is supposed to work the electric brakes. Does this also make the surge brake connection. My mechanic says the surge brakes work off the backup lights. thank you

asked by: Drake W

Expert Reply:

The surge brakes on your boat trailer operate completely independent from the trailer wiring/connector so there isn't a pin on the 7-way that activates the surge brakes.

The wiring that your mechanic was speaking of is that used for an actuator with a reverse lockout solenoid, like part # 099-175-20. In this case you would need to run a wire from the reverse light circuit to the solenoid so that you can reverse your trailer without the actuator activating the brakes of the trailer.

expert reply by: Leah S