Trailer brakes when backing

[ohiowake2]

Ok guys I am a little stumped. I use to have a F150 with the round plug for lights. Now have a Navigator with only the flat four at the moment. I can plug the flat 5 from the trailer into the flat four and all lights work and everything. When trying to back into my garage on my inclined driveway the trailer brakes kick in and I can't back up any farther. What do I need to do to fix this.

Thanks for all input in advance.

[nukemustang]

That 5th lead goes to the "reverse" lights, which dumps the solenoid for the trailer brakes, so as the tongue compresses, you don't brake going backwards.

Couple of temporary ways:
- There is a mechanical lock out that prevents the tongue from sliding back, you can find them online for example : https://www.boatmateparts.com/produc...ls.php?itmId=7

- I think another temporary way is to flip the 4-plug upside down and then turn on your truck's lights.

permanent:

run another wire from the reverse lights to the trailer prong and wire a 5-plug to the truck end.

[casmith71]

you cant back up because the surge brake is engaging. the reason for the 5 pin is the 5th plug has a electronic solenoid that prevents the surge from engaging. there are several adapters available for this. for a quick fix you can tape a nickel in the slide of the surge. or you can splice the blue wire from the trailer into the running light wire(brown) and turn on your lights to back up. did this not give you any trouble at the ramp? do you have a boatmate trailer? if so boatmate offers a lock out pin. for a permanent fix you need to set the navigator up with a 5 pin or 7 blade round. http://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/Tow-Ready/20036.html https://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/Hopkins/HM48470.html

[swatguy]

As mentioned the 5th pin is for the brake lockout.

Unplug the harness. Stick that last 5th plug male end into the first female slot and turn on the truck lights. Trailer will lock out brakes now.

[ohiowake2]

Thanks guys. I got it for now. Going to have to re-wire part of the truck.