How Do I Get My Boat Trailer To Apply The Brakes When Backing Down A Steep Slope?

Question:

boat and trailer drag my exploer a little when backing down steep ramps why dont boat trailer brakes help? Ranger z518 with 150 merc. is there a fix?

asked by: Terry H

Expert Reply:

Getting no brakes while reversing will be due to having a surge actuator. As this type of actuator applies the brakes by pressure on the coupler and there will be no forward pressure when you are reversing down a slope, it will not apply the brakes. The only way around this is to convert from a surge type actuator to an electric over hydraulic system.

Doing this will require you to remove your current surge actuator and replace it with a standard coupler, like the Demco # DM13689-95. This bolts directly to a 3" wide tongue and will have a 10,000 pound capacity. From here, you will need a new actuator. This will depend on if you have disc brakes, which will need the HydraStar # HS381-8067, or drum brakes, which will need the HydraStar # HBA-12. The next thing you will need is a break away kit that is compatible with an electric over hydraulic set up and the HydraStar # HBA-EBA definitely is. The last thing you will need to complete the trailer wide will be a 7 Way wire, but the Epicord # 277-000141 includes this pre-wired to a junction box and makes getting everything hooked up a lot easier.

With the trailer complete, you will need to upgrade your wiring to a 7 Way if you do not already have one. As you are pulling your trailer already, I am assuming you have a 4 Flat, which is good as the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7 will piggyback off this and get you the needed 7 Way. You will need to run a few wires to the battery and cab of your Explorer, but I included an install video for you to check out that will make that part easier. Once this is wired up and run, you will need to add a brake controller that is compatible with an electric over hydraulic system.

For this, I highly recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller # RED44FR. This can work with up to 6 brakes (3 axles) and will also work with an electric over hydraulic set up. One of the very large pluses with this kit is how clean it looks once installed. All you will see is the adjustment/manual override knob. Which I like very much. The manual override feature on the knob will then allow you to engage the brakes while backing down a steep slope. I know this was a long journey to get to this part of your question, but it will be the only way to get it done properly.