Checking Trailer Brakes

[IVAZ]

Hello fellas,
My boats trailer is a tandem axle and it?s equipped with drum surge brakes. Is there a way to check that the brakes are working properly? I haven?t ever needed to slam the brakes but if I ever do I would like to know my brakes are working correctly. The system seems to be in good shape (holds fluid and there is no rust in the reservoir). So, short of panic stopping how can I test them?
Thanks for any input you may have.

 

[iBrent]

Re: Checking Trailer Brakes

Here's a test I've done a few times on accident!

Disconnect the electrics from your vehicle, then try to reverse. Without the blue wire sending the reverse lockout signal to the surge breaks, your vehicle will be pushing up against the surge coupler. If you can't back it up, then the brakes are working.

 

[IVAZ]

Re: Checking Trailer Brakes

Brent, thanks for taking the time to respond.
I don?t know if I can do your test. I think drum surge brakes free wheel in reverse. I don?t have a blue wire on my trailer either.

 

[iBrent]

Re: Checking Trailer Brakes

Ooops. Sorry, I missed the drum part. Mine are discs and definitely lock in reverse without the harness hooked up or the reverse lockout pin inserted.

 

[jeffnick]

Re: Checking Trailer Brakes

Jack up the trailer one side at a time and have a buddy spin the wheel while you do this.

You can also engage the emergency stop by pulling the chain/lever, then trying to move the trailer. However, sometimes this can get you into more trouble than it's worth.

 

[IVAZ]

Re: Checking Trailer Brakes

That seems simple enough. Thanks for the diagram.