Should I fix surge brakes?

[imported_Jed]

I have a ~1999 Shoreland'r trailer equipped with surge brakes. It is a single axle trailer with
an Atwood actuator. Are these brakes really just a PITA to get and keep working correctly? Are they worth fixing?

They have never worked since I got the boat 4 years ago but I thought I'd look into getting
them working as it would be nice and much easier to stop(boat is around 3K lbs and the truck is a 1/2 ton Silverado so it stops ok just not the best) The master cylinder is dry and
has been empty since I got it and the wheel cylinders I think are froze up. One of the sides
got grease all over the shoes so those would also need to be replaced the other has
plenty of pad on the shoes.

After some pricing, it looks like a new master cylinder, wheel cylinders and shoes would be
around $150. Am I missing anything? Any other thoughts or options I should consider?

Do they make/sell brake cylinder rebuild kits for these things? Thanks for your help/opinions.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Should I fix surge brakes?

Do they make/sell brake cylinder rebuild kits for these things?

Don't even bother rebuilding the wheel cylinders. One option though to buying new shoes and wheel cylinders is buying the whole backing plate with everything installed.

http://www.championtrailers.com/DRUM BRAKE CLUSTERS.htm

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Should I fix surge brakes?

Yup go new, rebuilding isn't worth the bother. You'll just be doing it again in six months.

 

[nlain]

Re: Should I fix surge brakes?

Check your steel brake lines, I had to replace every one on my 2004 Shorelandr trailer, I have disc brakes and dip in salt water regular, wash and rinse everything when I pull out, still had some rust on the calipers that kept the pads from releasing, I cleaned it all up and all works fine now. My lines all rusted right at the line nut, even the one that never goes under water, that is how I found it, it was wet, I wiped with finger, brake fluid, pulled it a little and it broke off.

 

[grahamh]

Re: Should I fix surge brakes?

It depends on the kind of towing you do. If you go long distances, lots of driving, etc, then I'd probably get the brakes working.

But if, like me, you usually don't need to tow very far then I wouldn't worry about it, assuming your within the limits of your tow vehicle.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Should I fix surge brakes?

Not having working brakes IS an issue if you are involved in an accident and the trailer brake requirements in your state indicate they are "required" at that weight. And remember, boat weight is just part of the total load. The engine, fuel, gear, and yes, the trailer all contribute to this weight.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Should I fix surge brakes?

Safety first! My vote is to fix 'em.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Should I fix surge brakes?

If your going to fix them, then go 100% stainless with rotors not drums otherwise you'll be in the same boat in a few years.
I tossed the brakes on all of mine, right or wrong, I'm not made of money and it made little sense to tow the boat 20 miles to the water a few times a year and spend $800+ to fix the brakes every year or two.
I took a look around a few marinas last weekend, I counted about 140 or so trailers without brakes, that came with them when new, and not a one with brakes still in working order. So I'm not alone. My truck don't seem to notice the difference with or without brakes, at least I can't feel any difference pulling a 3100lb trailer. I've also got two tandem trailers rated at 5500 and 7500 lbs that never had brakes from day one. One I bought new, the other belonged to a neighbor before I got it. No sign of brakes or even axle flanges to attach brakes too on either. I tow those most of the time with my one ton Dodge, so stopping isn't much of a concern. Brakes would be nice at times when I pull the larger trailer with my 4 cylinder Ford Ranger.

 

[jtmarten]

Re: Should I fix surge brakes?

Just replace the backing plate as an assembly. Much easier, faster, and cheaper than buying separate components:
http://www.wholesalemarine.com/pc/D...+Freebacking+Trailer+Brake+Backing+Plate.html

 

[jtmarten]

Re: Should I fix surge brakes?

spend $800+ to fix the brakes every year or two.

$800 for brakes??? You having them plated with gold?? I could replace all 4 backing plate assemblies and the complete brake lines 2 1/2 times for that kind of coin. Probably take 20yrs to replace them 2-3 times if they're maintained along the way.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Should I fix surge brakes?

I have the non-stainless Kodiaks and they are fine as long as you rinse them well after you use them. No real good reason to go stainless. There is also the issue of the stainless heat conductivity which makes them not work as well.

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Should I fix surge brakes?

my buddy has a trailer with non-working surge brakes and hes okay with it. I on the other hand would love to have brakes and am thinking about adding them to my setup eventually. its definitely worth fixing them.

 

[truckermatt]

Re: Should I fix surge brakes?

i am in the same situation as the OP my brakes work when their is fluid in the master cyclinder.... but since the master cylinder leaks, the brakes dont work..... I am contemplating getting disc brake setup and ditch the surge brakes...

I only to 1 mile to the launch usually.

 

[imported_Jed]

Re: Should I fix surge brakes?

Thanks to everyone for the info/opinions! After digging into it further last night
it looks like I've figured out the parts I would need and will probably go ahead and
try to get them working. I found out I have Titan 12" freebacking setups with
the Atwood actuator. It is nice to see I have the freebacking drums though as I
won't have to get out and flip the actuator into reverse mode every time.

I'm not sure where I'll be ordering from online yet but it looks like I'll need one right
side full backing plate, left side wheel cylinder, new atwood master cylinder and a
couple little other parts.

If anyone has any favorite places they'd recommend to get the parts feel free
to let me know.

Just replace the backing plate as an assembly. Much easier, faster, and cheaper than buying separate components:
http://www.wholesalemarine.com/pc/D...+Freebacking+Trailer+Brake+Backing+Plate.html

Do you know if they have the freebacking 12" setup? Looks like on their site they just have the 10".

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Should I fix surge brakes?

$800 for brakes??? You having them plated with gold?? I could replace all 4 backing plate assemblies and the complete brake lines 2 1/2 times for that kind of coin. Probably take 20yrs to replace them 2-3 times if they're maintained along the way.

Your kidding me, right?
I just double checked and they want $675 just for the wheel assemblies, not counting the $225 for the new master cylinder, plus all new lines and and any other incidentals required to rebuild a salt rusted brake system. If I wanted 100% stainless, were talking $406 per wheel, (x4), plus the master cylinder and lines. We're talking all stainless steel parts here, anything other its just a waste of time in saltwater. And even at that, I've seen issues with the calipers seizing up.
The trailer frame and wheels are fine, they never seem to really rust, but the brakes, lights, and U bolts don't last more than a season here.

 

[imported_Jed]

Re: Should I fix surge brakes?

I don't deal with saltwater and I probably trailer 3-500 miles a year.

I'm not sure where I'll be ordering from online yet but it looks like I'll need one right
side full backing plate, left side wheel cylinder, new atwood master cylinder and a
couple little other parts.

I got away with $157 shipped for the above from etrailer.com not too shabby. The
customer service seemed nice and answered all of my stupid questions.