Trailer Brake Questions

[sheltonpg]

I have a 2008 SANTE 230 with the 2008 Ramline Boat trailer. I am towing the boat with a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado. My truck has the circle plug that I convert to the 5 prong plug from the trailer. My issue is the trailer comes with brakes and right now I do not have a trailer brake kit on the truck. What is the best brake kit I should get and what is recommended? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

[Rick]

Are the trailer brakes hydraulic or electric. I believe they are all hydraulic. This means that when the tongue slides forward a piston is compressed applying the brakes. If this is the case, the 5th wire is a solenoid that allows you to back up the trailer without engaging the brakes. You do not need any modification to the car unless you have electric brakes on the trailer.

[jkallen21]

I have a 2006 SANTE 220 with a RAM-LIN trailer and the brakes are "surge" which matches the description of what Rick calls hydrolic above. I am betting your brakes are not electric. If your trailer is a "Flat 5" then I am seriously doubting you have electric brakes on the trailer. As Rick points out, the 5th wire is needed to disengage the brakes when you backup otherwise the surge mechanism would lock the brakes every time you went in reverse.

[HS]

+1 for Rick. I have a slightly newer Ramlin trailer as well with surge brakes (they work just as Rick says)...I also have the Round 7 to Flat 5 adaptor. All good. Check to see if you have hydraulic or electric - you could call Ramlin with your trailer VIN to check.

[sheltonpg]

Great info!

Is there any maintenance recommendations you have for the trailer? Anything I need to be doing every year / time I take the boat out? How often would I need to replace the Hydrolic Fluid?

[HS]

In my very short experience here's what I watch (and I have a "trailer guy") Tire pressure, I keep it between 45 and 50 based on my sidewall rating and what the mfr data says; bearings, I had them repacked and depending on mileage and age will do that again after another season or two; brakes, I have them looked at periodically, but we only drive a mile to the ramp; bunks, I look at the carpet and watch for wear spots; bow strap, watch for wear or fraying on the strap. Also, tire age: for some reason they wear out due to exposure as much as to mileage, so keep any eye on the sidewalls for checking, etc. Check the lug nuts before trips. Trailer guy says to keep grease on the ball.