www.iFourWinns.com

Hi all,

Forgive me for what may be a lame question, but I have been through my manual and can't understand the detail as it is vague. I have just traded in my old boat/trailer combination and upgraded to a 2005 Horizon 200 with the dual axle trailer and brakes. My question involves backing up at launch and what to do with the wire harness....disconnect or not to disconnect.

With my old boat and trailer (without brakes) I used to disconnect the wiring harness before backing into the water to avoid a short of any type. I find with the new Four Winns Trailer, once I disconnect the wiring harness that when I back down a ramp, the trailer brakes are on ! Is this normal ?

Should I be leaving the wiring harness connected when launching and retrieving ? The manual mentions some form of brake lock-out, but it's not clear in writing or by the picture..

So, what's common practice ? Am I missing something ?

Many thanks in advance

Stephen

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2005 FourWinns 200
4.3 Volvo Penta GXi
(Picture to follow)

Hi Stephen,

It sounds as though your new trailer has disc brakes, correct? If so, the brakes do engage when reversing and you need to do one of two things to prevent that from happening:
1) Leave the wires connected so that the reverse solenoid on the trailer will engage when you put your truck in reverse.
2) Disconnect your wiring and manually engage the brake lockout - as you suggested, you'll need to figure out the correct procedure for your trailer, but on mine it involved lifting a latch up on the actuator so that the brakes don't engage when reversing.

Good luck!

Erik

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2002 Funship 214
VP 5.7 GX Si
2003 Tahoe

Thanks Eric

Just a follow up;

1) If I leave the harness connected - will it cause a short of any sort
2) How do I determine which trailer I have - the manual references a lever as you have described, but the trailer doesn't have such a lever. There is a 'hole' in the side of the hitch, but no instructions on what to do with it.

Thanks

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2005 FourWinns 200
4.3 Volvo Penta GXi
(Picture to follow)

I never disconnect my trailer wires when backing down the ramp - some folks do, but I have never had an issue so far and I'm still on my original trailer lights on my 2002.....

It would probably help if you can post a picture of your trailer actuator - there are plenty of folks on here who will chime in. Also, look for a brand name/part number on your actuator - that would help narrow things down.

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2002 Funship 214
VP 5.7 GX Si
2003 Tahoe

Sounds like you have the same setup as me on my trailer. You can leave the wireing connected, we've never had any issues with ours.

The alternative is that hole you spoke of. Take the safety pin fron the coupler and place it in that hole (Only for launch and retreival) Make sure it's back in for towing... This will prevent the actuator from slidingback and activating the brakes.

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Rob
2007 Four Winns 180 Horizon

Just leave everything connected and don't worry.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

If you have the 5 pin setup like I do you either have to leave it connected. Or you can use the ball pin to lock the brakes off there is a hole on the arm that you can see when you look at it...

Yes, it is possible, have I ever worried about it, No.

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2000 248 5.7L DP
'92, '94 SXI 750, '08 STX 15F, '12 Ultra LX 300
Videos

Thanks All.... sorry for the late reply but I've been away... on the boat !

Anyway, took all your advice, moved the little lock pin in the hole on the tonge and all worked out well !

-Stephen

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2005 FourWinns 200
4.3 Volvo Penta GXi
(Picture to follow)

Out of interest, did you disconnect the wiring?

Glad all went well!

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2002 Funship 214
VP 5.7 GX Si
2003 Tahoe

don't worry about disconnecting... it will drive you mad... do check your lights periodically though... seals wear out and lights need replacement more frequently than truck/car lights... if you pull out at night you will need the lights on anyhow to help guide you on to a good load...

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2007 FW Horizon 200 5.0GXi/SX-A

It is mostly a grounding issue. Make sure you grease your ball or coupler like most do anyways and it will be grounded to the truck. If you do not have it grounded good to the truck, you can short it out.

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1992 Baja 38 Special Twin 502 Mags

03 Stingray 3.0
88 261 Liberator 460 King Cobras
95 Bayliner 1850 3.0
77 Fiber Form 20ft 350/385hp
70 Wescraft 1800 SS 455 Jet

Lead, Follow, or get the Hell out of the Way!

I never disconnect mine...works like a champ!

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Current Boat:
2004 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer "Nauti Luvin'"

Previous Boats:
1999 298 Vista "Seas The Day"
2008 H200SS "Nauti Luv"
2006 Tahoe Q4

I dont disconnect mine either, neve had an issue.

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Mike
2007 Horizon 200 SS
5.0 GXi SX drive.

Ditto, never disconnect mine. Putting the brake lockout pin in and out is a pain. The led lights are well sealed.

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2008 210SS 6.2L DTS Bravo 1 Now featuring MercMonitor w/SmartTow