Question

Boat Trailering Guys,

I just bought a new boat with a magic tilt trailer. I asked them to "add" brakes to the trailer as I was concerned about towing the boat in hilly areas around Austin, TX. I have changed my trailer wires from a 4 to a 5 and run the 5th wire to my reverse lights so the brakes don't lock up in reverse, but I don't think the brakes actually work when I use the car brakes when driving. Do I need some type of actuator to make the trailer brakes actually work at the same time I use the car brakes? If yes, shouldn't the dealer have put one of these on the trailer for me? Otherwise, it seems like all I have are emergency brakes on the trailer that just work after the trailer and car have separated. Too late then!! Also, the trailer has brakes on only one axle. Are brakes required on both axles? (I'm in Texas) The boat weighs 2660 lbs. Thanks.

Jonathon

Answered on: 10/2008

What kind of brakes were installed? Hydraulic or electric? With hydraulic brakes they should have installed an actuator on the trailer. The actuator replaces the coupler on your trailer. It houses the master cylinder as well as the emergency break away cable. If they are electric brakes then you will need to install the electrical actuator in the vehicle. If you do not have either of these set up then you most likely don't have the protection of break-away braking in an emergency. You should contact the dealer immediately before getting on the road with your trailer and get this straightened out.

Boat Trailering Guys:Mike