2019 Raptor Boat trailer towing in reverse issue

[Brent13]

Unlikely any issue with either. Trailer must be plugged in or if not plugged in insert the lock out key/pin to prevent the coupler from sliding back and engaging the brakes. If plugged in and the brakes still engage then likely due to excessive angle and you may need to use the lock out key/pin at times even when plugged in. This isn’t a Raptor only issue but happens more often with the softer suspension compressing and causing excessive angle.

 

[Bill Anderson]

Does it have surge brakes or electric brakes?

 

[Brett Rahn]

Does the trailer have surge brakes not electric. Most boat trailers do. So you must put a pin in tongue so brakes do not apply in reverse

 

[Johnkn]

OP, if you believe you have electric brakes on a modern boat trailer, what you actually have is ‘electric over hydraulic’ vs hydraulic surge brakes. Both systems use hydraulic lines going to the brake drums or calipers, but E/H is electrically controlled where surge brakes rely on the actuator being physically compressed while driving forward.

When configuring the trailer in your Raptor set-up on the dash, make sure you select ‘electric over hydraulic’ mode.

 

[aandrews109]

I two my 21' Robalo with Electric Brakes with my '19 Raptor without any problems. Sounds like the backup solenoid is not getting power when you go into reverse. You should have a pin or a key of some type to override the trailer brake at the hitch. Try the manual override on the trailer and see what happens. You may have already checked this, but make sure the 5th wire circuit is getting power when the truck is in reverse. I actually use a 7-pin adaptor that has both a 4-pin and 5-pin plug on it. Hope this helps.

 

[Johnkn]

^^ more reason to insure "Electric over Hydraulic' is selected in the trailer setup menu.... My guess is that it's a setup issue on the Raptor. Good Luck OP

 

[Greg C]

Issue resolved I believe. The softer suspension of the raptor was dropping too much with made the trailer ride tipped down. This made the trailer think it was going uphill when reversing which was engaging the brakes. I need to install an air lift system to support my trucks suspension so it does not drop so much and the trailer rides level. They cost $350-$700 and are a 1-2hr install. Thanks for the help and ideas here tho!

 

[OICNW-Rob]

I had a similar experience with a boat I previously owned. I had a driveway with a slight incline. First time I backed the boat up the driveway, I blew a wheel cylinder on the drum brakes. The trailer was equipped with surge brakes. When backing up the slight incline, the coupler was activating the brakes. This particular coupler did not have a lockout pin. I ended up installing an electric lockout solenoid and wired it to the reverse light circuit. Problem solved.

Additionally, how much does your boat/trailer weigh? A weight distribution hitch may be all you need.

 

[Don S]

Make sure you check what was suggested with the dash setting. There is also a newer trailer plug for the newer trailers. When I picked up my 2018 Avalon, I had to buy an adapter for the trailer plug so that the brakes would release.