Surge Breaks on Removable Tongue

[jeepnsam]

New Searay 180 owner and just got the boat in the garage next to the Jeep (very tight squeeze)...but how in the heck do I remove the trailer tongue (pulls out) when there is a surge break line.

This little thingy looks like a quick disconnect for hydraulic lines.. Figured I would ask the PROS before I go banging on it with a hammer!

EDIT: Photos must be 640X480 or smaller

 

[Lrider]

Re: Surge Breaks on Removable Tongue

Ouch

put a longer hose on it?

 

[cr2k]

Re: Surge Breaks on Removable Tongue

Since "ouch" was not an answer....

Yes it is a quick disconnect. However since it looks like it has never been disconnected it would be a "hard to" disconnect. If you use anything with petroleum in it on that such as PB Blaster you may need to drain and flush the brake fluid with alcohol as petroleum will make the brake fluid expand and you will have bleed the system down ever few miles to get it to the lake.

Using a longer hose (as suggested) will allow you to just lay the tongue down next to the hitch and not have to disconnect every time and may make things easier in the long run.

If you replace the fitting you will need a high pressure hydraulic fitting as brake line pressures can get to over 3000 psi. The one on there is internally valved on both ends so as not to lose fluid when uncoupled. The sleeve on the one pictured should slide forward (towards the ball).

 

[jeepnsam]

Re: Surge Breaks on Removable Tongue

the tongue goes into the trailer about 2 feed and it's double pinned (heavy duty) so that means a 3 foot long stainless steel brake hose.

NOTE TO SELF: stay away from boat the boat aftermarket. One aftermarket vehicle is enough LOL!!!

 

[Lrider]

Re: Surge Breaks on Removable Tongue

The hose can be tied up out of the way when you are pulling

never seen a quick connect in a brake line before - that must be really safe if you forget to connect it

another question, how much does the boat and trailer weigh
what are you pulling it with and are you required to have a surge brake

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: Surge Breaks on Removable Tongue

Here is what you could use as a replacement part to give you the option of extra length and quick disconnect option

http://www.championtrailers.com/QUICKDISCONNECT.htm

 

[Stachi]

Re: Surge Breaks on Removable Tongue

a brake hose can only take so much of a turn.....I have seen a lot of locked up calipers from them....

 

[TMoNeE]

Re: Surge Breaks on Removable Tongue

I would just try to get the quick disconnect working, since its already there

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Surge Breaks on Removable Tongue

+1 with TMoNeE - get the one there working. I've worked on tractor hydraulics a fair amount, and even baddly rusted ones usually come out with a couple of sharp raps in the correct direction with a hammer and punch. I'd try that before jumping to other resorts. Once apart, you should be able to service the ends and use it often to keep it free.

 

[jeepnsam]

Re: Surge Breaks on Removable Tongue

> another question, how much does the boat and trailer weigh

I know the boat weighs in at 3500 dry (says the owners manual)

> what are you pulling it with and are you required to have a surge brake

Ford F150 5.4 Super Crew
Factory tow packaged (larger aftermarket tranny cooler)
35" BFG AT
4.56 gears
Superchip (tuned for towing)


I rather have the surge breaks operational so I pulled the disconnect and I'm replacing it with a a new one. I have to go through the entire trailer (replacing corroded connections, bleeding brakes, packing bearings and such). Never know what the previous guy did or didn't do.

Thanks,
Sam

 

[archangelnot]

Re: Surge Breaks on Removable Tongue

Even with a quick disconnect, I would think you would have to bleed the brakes everytime you disconnect it... you would have air in the lines....

 

[Yellow Yota]

Re: Surge Breaks on Removable Tongue

No, you do not need to bleed every time you disconnect. No, you do not need to use a really long hose.
Get the couple apart and freed up so it goes together smoothly.
I unhook mine and remove the tongue every time I park my boat, as it's the only way it fits! I've never had to add fluid or bleed the brakes. Yes, I check the master, and yes I know what air in the brakes feels like.

And if you're concerned about the safety hazard of forgetting to hook up your brakes, you've got much more important things to worry about. Such as not latching the coupler onto the ball, not hooking your safety chains, not plugging in your wiring, not stowing your jack before departure, and a whole list of other things that can be forgotten if you don't pay attention.

 

[richw46]

Re: Surge Breaks on Removable Tongue

I have a UFP A-60 tongue on my Ranger trailer. It sounds identical to your set up. If this is what you have you can find their videos at www.ufpnet.com.

There are two chrome pins mounted vertically through the tongue and trailer. There are quick disconnect rings at the bottom of these pins. Remove the rings then pull out the pins. (You may need to tap them with a hammer and drift to get them out. They can get pretty tight.)

There are two disconnects at the end of the tongue at the boat. The wiring plug just pulls out, like the connection to the tow vehicle. The hydraulic line disconnect must be pushed together, then pull down on the chrome/brass ring (which is on one of the two connectors) and the line will separate (no air will get in.). If the disconnect is stuck use some WD-40 to free it up and try again. Once this is disconnected you can slide out the tongue. I keep mine under the front of the trailer so I can just open the garage door and put it back in the front of the trailer.

Rich

 

[jeepnsam]

Re: Surge Breaks on Removable Tongue

UPDATE:

I ended up removing the disconnect from the entire line...soaking it in Brake Cleaner Fluid to de rust, then a little 30w..a few HARD taps with the hammer and she broke loose. The disconnect was pitted (wish I still had my lathe)
so hand sanding was gonna take a while.

Since the pitting was too rough, I just ordered this kit: http://www.championtrailers.com/QUICKDISCONNECT.htm

Thanks,
Sam

 

[richw46]

Re: Surge Breaks on Removable Tongue

Good call. If it's that corroded then replacing the line and fittings is the right thing to do.

Rich