www.iFourWinns.com

Just purchased a 238 Vista with related trailer. On my old boat, I converted the surge brakes to electric which I much prefer. My question is, how do I back up a hill without the surge brakes engaging? I looked the entire trailer over and there is NOTHING like a switch, etc. to put it into reverse. Any help is super appreciated!

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Fun2bethad
1999 F.W. 238 Vista
"Don't Panic!" (upside down of course)

Does it have a 5-pin flat connector??? If it does, your reverse lock-out is there.

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Jimbo
Na. Ga.

2000 170 Horizon LS
4.3GL

If it has drum brakes and they are the free-backing kind, then no solenoid is needed and you should be able to back up without a problem, unless they are frozen up. If you have discs there should be a back up solenoid in line the the brake line from the master cylinder.

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

It could alos be on the coupler there (may be) a pin and a hole (below the coupler latch handle). You insert the pin when you back up (or anytime you want your trailer brakes NOT to engage).

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'90 Horizon 220 5.8

If you don't have a 5 pin connector, you can use a piece of 2x4 to keep the tongue from moving backwards engaging the surge brake. I would only do this if you're not backing that far....
It's a good quick fix.

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-Tony
2016 Robalo R200 w/Yahama 200!

Previous boats:
2003 Four Winns 248 Vista - sold
1994 Sunbird Corsair 200 - sold
1980 Checkmate Predictor - sold

Good stuff to investigate. It is a flat five that I plug into a 7 way bargman plug via a converter. I have to confess that I haven't actually tried to back up into my driveway yet so I can't say with certainty they will lock up. I cut my grass off three weeks ago to install sod and it is currently a mud bowl so I didn't dare attempt to back an 8 foot wide trailer up and 8 foot wide drive way with soupy mud on either side. Anyway, thanks for the ideas. I'll keep exploring.

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Fun2bethad
1999 F.W. 238 Vista
"Don't Panic!" (upside down of course)

My 1997 has the free backing drums. I'm not sure when they made the switch to disc brakes but your '99 might be similar to my '97.

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Terry
Current: 07 Crownline 255 CCR cuddy - 350 Mag MPI/B3 "Casi Cielo"

Previous:97 245 Sundowner 5.7GI/SX

Tow vehicle: 1986 GMC 2500 Camper Special 454/TH400

That 5th Pin actually controls the surge allowing you to back up when the vehicle is placed in reverse. If that doesn't work, the old piece of wood is a good stand by! Good luck

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-Tony
2016 Robalo R200 w/Yahama 200!

Previous boats:
2003 Four Winns 248 Vista - sold
1994 Sunbird Corsair 200 - sold
1980 Checkmate Predictor - sold

If it means anything, if you just want to check to see if the solenoid is working. Take a small 12v battery, say from a cordless drill, gound the Neg side the the female pulg on the flat 5-pin connector. Then attach the Pos side to the #5pin (the last pin), you should hear the solenoid open and close when you connect & reconnect.

Good luck
Paul

I wired my S/R's lockout to the socket on one of the reverse-lights.

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Jimbo
Na. Ga.

2000 170 Horizon LS
4.3GL