Surge Brakes???

[BlueBayouV8]

So i just got a boat, and it has been diting for a while.. Appearantly the trailer has surge brakes. It has brake lines running to the back plates on the wheels, and has instructions on the tounge for adding fluid, but i cannot find the master cylinder.. How do surge brakes work? do they need an electrical connection to the truck?

 

[rbh]

Re: Surge Brakes???

on trailers with surge brakes the master cylinder could be built into the front hitch assembly, follow the hydrolic ram assembly back
as well you will need lights/brake lights/signals so you will have to find or replace the plug/wires.
rob

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Surge Brakes???

If it is an older trailer it probably has no elec. connections for the brakes. The newer stuff has a reverse lockout wire that needs to be powered when the reverse lights come on. It locks the brake solinoid out so you can back up without engaging the brakes. Most drum surge setups are freebacking type or have a lockout pin that you install when backing up any incline or even flat ground. The coupler of the trailer is attached via two sets of oblonged holes when you pull forward it pulls the coupler and rod away from the master cyl. which removes the pressure in the brake system. When you brake the tow vech, or are going down a hill the weight of the trailer pushes against the tow vehicle which acuates the rod and puts pressure into the brake system thus engaging the the trailer brakes. Go to championtrailers.com they have a very good tutorial on how to replace/repair/check/adjust surge trailer brakes.