Surge brake???

[codyandamber]

I know that principle of a surge brake, but I don't know what one really is. I have never owned a trailer that was equiped with one. I am in the process of buying a boat and trailer. The trailer has surge brakes. What do I need to inspect in order to know what I am getting. Are they hydraulic? Electric? Are they disk? I know nothing about it. They are on a 20ft or 21ft single axle trailer holding a 2400lb 19ft boat. Any help would be appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks,

 

[burp]

Re: Surge brake???

Codyandamber, Surge brakes are hydraulic actuated brakes which can be either disk or drum type. Disk brakes tend to work a little better and generally cost a little more. Since the disk brakes work better, it is best if the trailer has a reverse lockout solenoid which will prevent the brakes from actuating when backing up an incline. If the trailer electrical wiring connector has a 4 pin connector, it doesn't have the reverse lockout solenoid. A 5 pin connector usually indicates it has the reverse lockout solenoid. If the trailer doesn't have the reverse lockout solenoid, regardless if the brakes are disk or drum, it will have a pin/key that you will have to insert in the coupler mechanism to prevent the brakes from actuating when backing up an incline.

 

[KM2]

Re: Surge brake???

The surge brakes are really simple. You don't have to do anything different than what you have done with other trailers. Maybe the backing up thing but that's been covered. I have a similar sized boat and was told at purchase that trailers/boats that weigh over 3000lbs are required to have brakes. They do make a big difference and take some of the load of your tow vehicles brakes.