Surge brakes locking up

[Mr_Shamrock]

OK a little history - we have had our boat/trailer for about 4 years (bought new). I never have had one with surge brakes and up till last month have only periodically checked/changed the fluid (wet system) for the bearings. Before taking the boat out this season I figured I would check the brake shoe adjustment and following the manual tightened them until there was resistance and then backed off a couple clicks. They were all off a little. I can tell a big difference braking now (can't believe I was dumb enough to wait this long to adjust them). I don't think they were ever adjusted right from day one. Anyway, now when I put the boat in the water and park the truck and trailer and then come back hours later after a day on the water the brakes are locked up and I have to pull forward, reverse, pull forward, reverse, and then they unlock and are normal. Should I make sure I pull forward a little when initially parking it to make sure the master cylinder isn't applying pressure? I don't feel like the brakes are adjusted too tight as I have been in the auto industry my whole life and have adjusted 100's of drum brakes. I also checked them Saturday to see if the drums were hot to the touch after the hour drive to the ramp and they were barely warm which seems normal. Sorry for the long post, but just wanted to give as much info as possible. Thanks in advance!

 

[rbh]

Re: Surge brakes locking up

I think you should pull the wheels and drums and clean up any brake dust and rust thats built up in there over the years first before worrying about the surge brakes master cylinder etc.

 

[Mr_Shamrock]

Re: Surge brakes locking up

I think you should pull the wheels and drums and clean up any brake dust and rust thats built up in there over the years first before worrying about the surge brakes master cylinder etc.

Thanks, I guess sometimes the obvious things don't come to mind. That makes perfect sense. I will let you know how that helps.

 

[EddiePetty]

Re: Surge brakes locking up

As you report the problem only appears when the trailer is empty, I would suspect that the master cylinder in the coupler is not returning to the off-stroke position. Have you ever greased the slide rails in the coupler or checked the unit for ease of operation?

 

[hungupthespikes]

Re: Surge brakes locking up

+1^^^ rbh and eddiepetty

Always pull forward a little when parking the trailer to release the brakes. Backing up an incline or even tall grass could hold the brakes on, so block the trailer wheels then pull forward if needed.
The brakes locking on a surge system after parking has been a quirk forever when parked engaged.

 

[Mr_Shamrock]

Re: Surge brakes locking up

As you report the problem only appears when the trailer is empty, I would suspect that the master cylinder in the coupler is not returning to the off-stroke position. Have you ever greased the slide rails in the coupler or checked the unit for ease of operation?

I have never greased it, but will do that before going back out. Thanks!

 

[Mr_Shamrock]

Re: Surge brakes locking up

+1^^^ rbh and eddiepetty

Always pull forward a little when parking the trailer to release the brakes. Backing up an incline or even tall grass could hold the brakes on, so block the trailer wheels then pull forward if needed.
The brakes locking on a surge system after parking has been a quirk forever when parked engaged.

Thanks for the input I will ease it forward before parking for the day and hopefully between that and a little grease it will help out.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Surge brakes locking up

You need to take the drums off and take a looksie. The wheel cylinders are notorious for corroding and hanging up. These only last a few years when used in salt water.

 

[Mr_Shamrock]

Re: Surge brakes locking up

You need to take the drums off and take a looksie. The wheel cylinders are notorious for corroding and hanging up. These only last a few years when used in salt water.

Yeah I will just to make sure they are ok, but this trailer and boat have only seen fresh water.

 

[boaterrich]

Re: Surge brakes locking up

They rust up pretty fast in fresh water too. I've replaced the wheel cylinders several times over the years on mine. The problem is that boat trailers tend to sit unused for six months out of the year in most areas. So th wheel cylinders rust up. Salt water just hastens the process.

 

[lakebutt247]

Re: Surge brakes locking up

there is a surge brake key that works great google trailer brake lock out key"back up buddy"back your trailer up with no more problems