Trucks & Trailers - Newbie question about trailer brakes and vehicle compatibility

I've decided to purchase a new Nautic Star 2110 SE and it comes on a trailer with disc brakes. I have a 2008 Suburban with tow package. How can I tell if it is wired for trailers with brakes? If it isn't wired for brakes, what do I need to do to get it wired for brakes?

Chances are really good that you have a surge brake actuator on the trailer. If that is the case then you will not have to do anything to the tow vehicle. If you have an electric over hydraulic actuator then you would need a brake controller, I'd say there is a 95% chance that you have simple surge brakes though.

I have a 2008 Sub it came with the tow package, and was wired for the trailer connection just needed to add the in cab brake controller. GM has a wiring harness ready made to connect the brake controller, if it wasn't in the glove box go to the dealer parts counter they have them.

Your owners manual will tell you about the brake/trailer wiring hookups.

Chances are really good that you have a surge brake actuator on the trailer. If that is the case then you will not have to do anything to the tow vehicle. If you have an electric over hydraulic actuator then you would need a brake controller, I'd say there is a 95% chance that you have simple surge brakes though.

+1...but I'd up it to 99% :grin:

One way to tell for sure is if there is an actuator "lock out" on the tongue. This would be a place where you can place a key/pin to stop the trailer tongue from sliding forward while backing up on soft ground or backing up an incline. You will USUALLY need to get in the 5ton gross trailer weight and up range prior to getting an electronic brake set up.

247272 Chances are you'll have something like the first picture attached to the back of something like the second picture.

247273

All that is required on your tow vehicle, other than a normal 4 prong connection (running lights, brake lights and directionals) is a wire connecting the wire from the free backing back up solenoid (1st picture) to the back up - reverse circuit on one of your tail lights. This allows backing up without the brakes engaging. Otherwise you would have to get out and put a pin in the surge brake actuator (2nd picture) or find some other way of preventing the brakes from engaging while backing up.

Many people have use 5 pin connectors for their set up, I prefer using the regular 4 pin connector and a second 2 pin connector to connect the back up solenoid to the reverse circuit. One wire for the solenoid and another for an additional ground wire because I like to disconnect the regular running/directional /brake lights when I launch and retrieve.

Mike,

I'm seeing many new trailers come with the 7-pin "RV type" round plug which are inclusive of all back-up light and electronic brake controls. The OP would definitely need to figure out whether his brakes are mechanically or electronically actuated prior to figuring out if a different pin setup is needed.

OP,

Do you know who makes the trailer that the boat sits on? I'd get ahold of them and see what they say about pin connector (7-way round, 5-way round, 4-flat, etc.) before changing anything with the truck wiring.

Thanks, I spoke to the dealer today and it is built into the trailer. I will just need a 5 pin round adapter.

Thanks, I spoke to the dealer today and it is built into the trailer. I will just need a 5 pin round adapter.

If you can see what type of connector it is you may save yourself a little hassle at the dealership. My dealer claimed it was a 5way round too, but didn't realize this was actually a 7way plug (about 2.5"diameter) with only 5 of the prongs used. Sorry to beat a dead horse but if you show up with the old-school small (about 1" diameter) 5round you may be shelling out $20 or more to your dealer to buy their adapter.

Good luck!