Need info on backing with surge brakes

[hz]

Do you have to lock out surge brakes when backing up a boat trailer at a ramp or otherwise? Yesterday, I was backing up a small incline and they activated the surge brakes. Is this normal. When should I lock them out?

Harris

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Need info on backing with surge brakes

Disk or drum? If drum, they should be free backing so no real need to lock out unless going up a very steep incline. Disk may require you to either lock them out manually or installing a lock out solenoid that is activated by your reverse lights. Backing up at a ramp should not be a problem since you are backing down a hill.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Need info on backing with surge brakes

When should I lock them out?
Harris

The short answer is, when its needed.
Like anything, every trailer is different. And depending on the brakes you have and how well maintained they are, you will have to see if they grab and if so lock then out when needed so as be able to move.

 

[gtochris]

Re: Need info on backing with surge brakes

Only when needed.

The 2010 Trailer we use has discs, I launch with the lights un-plugged and I find it free-rolls as the ramp slants so the brakes dont activate.

In our driveway or any other flat or somewhat uphill surface I either need to have the plug in (5 prong), or the pin inserted into the coupler.

 

[four winns 214]

Re: Need info on backing with surge brakes

Yes, you have to "lock out" surge brakes in any situation that causes them to activate when backing.

On my trailer with drum brakes, there is a lever on the coupler that has to be manually moved to a "back up" position. It's a simple mechanism that prevents pressure being applied to the brake master cylinder. One must exit the vehicle and move the lever to the "back up" postion. It is not automatic

I have another trailer with disc brakes and it has a solenoid that cuts pressure to the brakes when the tow vehicle is shifted into reverse, so long as the trailer light harness is connected to the tow vehicle. It is completely automatic.

 

[Gromulin]

Re: Need info on backing with surge brakes

...and in a pinch, a couple of 14mm sockets duct-taped in the oval track that the trailer-cylinder pin slides back in to actuate the disc brake slave cylinders, works too. My tow vehicle was set up for electric brakes, and I did'nt know it until I was trying to back up over a small hump at the first launching...mine did not have a pin to lock it out. Thanks Zieman!

The center pin of your 7-pin connector on the vehicle should be connected to your reverse-lights, if you have the solenoid installed.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Need info on backing with surge brakes

Some couplers have a pin that locks out the surge brake function.

 

[cajun1]

Re: Need info on backing with surge brakes

On my tow vehicle, a 2000 F-150, I also needed to install a relay in the fuse box under the hood.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Need info on backing with surge brakes

I have to put a pin to keep the surge from surging even though they are electric brakes. Mine are disc

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Need info on backing with surge brakes

I have to put a pin to keep the surge from surging even though they are electric brakes. Mine are disc

There are no electric disc brakes that I know of and if you have electric brakes, there is no surge coupler.

 

[jtmarten]

Re: Need info on backing with surge brakes

Disc brakes should automatically lock out, the solenoid should be tied into the reverse light circuit.
With drum brakes it depends, if you have old-school backing plates with dual-servo cylinders, then you have to lock them out, if you have the newer style single-servo cylinders, then they're 'freebacking', and they won't engage in reverse.