How Do You Back a Boat Trailer On The Boat Ramp When The Electric Lockout Is Unplugged?
Question:
Have always been told not to back trailer into water while electrical plugged in but if you unplug the trailer brakes lock up . Have a Karavan trailer for a 18’ boat with a Dexter surge brake . What am I missing ? What should I be doing ? Thanks for the help !
asked by: Steve
Expert Reply:
You typically have a couple options Steve. The most commonly used is just waiting until the boat is on the ramp and then unplugging the wiring. This way you can let gravity take the boat down the ramp rather than pushing it with your truck.
Another option which will depend on your surge brake is a manual lockout like the Key # DX94FR. This prevents the actuator from sliding and the brakes from activating in reverse. If you can tell me the model number off your actuator I can see if there is a key available for it.
Finally we do offer Free Backing drum brakes like the # AKFBBRK-35-D which will not activate when driving in reverse. I would need to know exactly what brakes you currently have to verify if we have one for your boat trailer.

Products Referenced in This Question
Hydraulic Brake Kit - Uni-Servo - Free Backing - Dacromet - 10" - Left/Right Hand - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- Marine Grade
- Free Backing
- Manual Adjust
- Single Servo
- 10 x 2-1/4 Inch Drum
- 3500 lbs Axle
- 14 Inch Wheel
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Replacement Consumer Lockout Key for Dexter Axle Brake Actuators - Qty 1
- Accessories and Parts
- Brake Actuator
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- Lockout Key
- Dexter
more information >
Continue Researching
- Video: Hands-On with the Replacement Consumer Lockout Key for Dexter Axle Brake Actuators
- Search Results: hat bracket
- Q&A: Comparing Dexter DX7.5L A-60 DX27FR and Titan Brake Actuator # T63FR
- Q&A: Where Does The Manual Lockout Key Attach On The Titan Brake Actuator # T4500600?
- Shop: Replacement Black Plastic Filler Cap for Dexter 7,500-lb Brake Actuators
- Shop: Replacement Consumer Lockout Key for Dexter Axle Brake Actuators - Qty 1
- Video: Replacement Inner Member for Dexter DX7.5L Actuator Spec Review
- Video: Review of Titan Replacement Black Plastic Filler Cap Titan 7500 lbs Brake Actuators - T097-022-00
- Shop: Yates Keel Pad - TPR - 11-3/4" Long x 3-1/2" Wide - Blue
- Shop: Replacement Inner Member for Dexter DX7.5L Actuator - Tandem Axle w/ Disc - 2" Ball - 7,500 lbs
- Shop: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar for Hitch Accessories - 2" Hitches
- Video: Titan Brake Actuators Replacement Black Plastic Filler Cap Review
- Q&A: What is Distance Between Mounting Holes of Dexter A-60 Coupler
- Q&A: Coupler Locks For Dexter A-60 Brake Actuator When Towing and When In Storage
- Q&A: Does Dexter DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator DX27FR Include Manual Lockout Key?
- Shop: Fastway Universal Coupler Lock for 1-7/8", 2" and 2-5/16" Couplers - Key 316
- Shop: Blaylock EZ Lock Gooseneck Coupler Lock - Bulldog/Stallion/Superior/T.E.M. Gooseneck Couplers
- Search Results: trailer stakes
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Finding the Right Trailer Wiring Harness
- Q&A: Does Truck with 6-1/2 ft bed Have to Use Slider Hitch for Turning Clearance with Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Search Results: trailer jack
- Q&A: What Is An OEM Prep Package And How Do I Know If I Have It
- Video: etrailer VS Dexter Self Adjusting Brakes Comparison
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: RV Bearing
Steve
3/21/2024
Bud , Greatly appreciate the help . Looks like a DX7.5 A-60 . Not positive . I see the key but how does it stay in place when backing up ? Will try next time at lake on the ramp . Have a great day !