How To Engage Surge Brake Lockout On Vehicle with 4-Way Trailer Connector

Updated 05/12/2020 | Published 05/08/2020

Question:

Need surge brake disable for reverse. Have a 2017 Edge Titanium. The reverse lights are contained in the lift gate. I assume they are LED. The Edge has a tow package and is equipped with a four way flat connector at the hitch receiver. The trailer has a separate two pin connector for the surge brake shunt solenoid. Where can I tie into the reverse light circuit with out routing a wire from the hitch receiver, up the side of the cargo area, across the roof , into the lift hatch and down to the backup lights. Should I have an isolating relay to power the solenoid?

asked by: Keith K

Expert Reply:

The best option I have to activate the reverse lockout feature on a boat trailer would be to first integrate the circuit into the trailer connector with the Hopkins Endurance 5-Way Flat Trailer Connector part # HM47910. Once this is done you can use the Tow Ready 4 Pole to 5 Pole Trailer Wiring Adapter part # 20036.

The blue wire will need to be spliced into the the reverse light circuit on the vehicle but in regards to the exact process or route I wouldn't have much on this as it varies so much between installs. It looks like you should be able to splice into the reverse light circuit just behind the tail lights on the body but if not you'll need to obtain it from the top of the hatch. I know this is not what you wanted to hear but it's the only option.

expert reply by: Conner L