Tahoe trailer Brake issues

[carey965]

so since i have bought my boat the surge brakes have not worked, now with me wanting to do a triple tow i think its time to fix them

i have been looking around and there does not seem to be alot of info on the components they use,

the issue i have is it keeps leaking from the reservoir area i do remember reading somewhere that it was the actuator but can someone else confirm this if it is a known issue on these trailers

 

[Bondo]

Re: Tahoe trailer Brake issues

so since i have bought my boat the surge brakes have not worked, now with me wanting to do a triple tow i think its time to fix them

i have been looking around and there does not seem to be alot of info on the components they use,

the issue i have is it keeps leaking from the reservoir area i do remember reading somewhere that it was the actuator but can someone else confirm this if it is a known issue on these trailers

Ayuh,.... Most trailer manufacturers use other folks parts to build their wagons,...
'n it really don't matter if the make is known for it, as it's a Known issue with Yer wagon,...

Just ID the hitch coupler ya got, 'n rebuild, or better yet, Replace it,...

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Tahoe trailer Brake issues

OR go electric...

Make sure and pull the hubs n look at the brakes real close and also check out the brake lines... In my case I replaced my rusted out brake lines only to find that the actuator, wheel cylinders, shoes, and some of the other parts all needed replaced...... I changed over to electric with all new dexter assemblies and a break away box for about 1/3 of the cost of the parts to repair the surge brakes.

 

[carey965]

Re: Tahoe trailer Brake issues

the problem i am having is i want to be able to tow it behind my travel trailer so i want to have good brakes but i would rather have the convenience of surge brakes so i dont have to run a 2nd controller and what not

i guess i will have to brave the cold and see what parts it has

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Tahoe trailer Brake issues

I only use one controller for multiple trailers.... the controllers are rated for how many axles they can operate.

 

[alldodge]

Re: Tahoe trailer Brake issues

so since i have bought my boat the surge brakes have not worked, now with me wanting to do a triple tow i think its time to fix them

i have been looking around and there does not seem to be alot of info on the components they use,

the issue i have is it keeps leaking from the reservoir area i do remember reading somewhere that it was the actuator but can someone else confirm this if it is a known issue on these trailers

Start putting the tongue of the trailer higher then the trailer wheels. Doing this will make it easier for bleeding brakes. Check the master cylinder and see if it is full of break fluid [KEEP MASTER CYLINDER FULL or close to full at all times]. Pull the wheels and drums off and see if there is any kind of a leak. If you see a leak replace wheel cylinders and shoes both sides. Inspect and replace what ever else is needed.

Adjust break shoes to where you can get the drums on with only the slightest bit of drag. Re-check to make sure the drag your getting is from both break shoes and not just because one is move to one side more then the other. Install drums and take your hitch ball off the tow vehicle and put it in the coupler. Make sure master cylinder is full of fluid, put a tube from the wheel cylinder bleed valve into a container with some brake fluid in the bottom. Loosen wheel cylinder furthest away (normally Right rear). Push coupler in which will push fluid out the open cylinder, raise coupler back up all the way slowly. Repeat the previous step 3-4 times, on last push down, leave it there and tighten wheel cylinder bleed valve and remove hose. Remove hose and go to next furthest wheel until all have been done.

Once all wheels have been done check the resistance you get from pushing coupler down. If coupler is spongy need to bleed some more because there is air in the line somewhere.

If you use a brake bleed kit like the one below it is easier and can be done from the axle. Still need to make sure master cylinder stays full

Mityvac Brake Bleeding Kit | Brake Repair| Northern Tool + Equipment