Surge brake questions.

[BlueLightSpecial]

I have a tandem axle Eagle trailer with single axle surge brakes. I've been running it around without state safety inspection, since I only live less than a quarter of a mile from the launch. For safety inspection, I need to have brakes on both axles. My question is, do I need a new actuator? Or can I just change the block from 2 lines to 4 lines, and install backing plates and drums. My next question: When I back into my driveway, which is uphill, then levels off, my brakes drag the wheels, which is to be expected. Then, I hear a bang, and the wheels roll freely. Happens every time. My actuator doesnt have a manual lock out, and since my trailer plug is a 4 pin, I'm positive it is not electric lock out. Should I stay with the hydraulic, or convert to electric. Wire will be easier to plumb through the trailer tubes, than the brake lines, imo. Thanks in advance!


Josh

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Surge brake questions.

The issue with going to 4-wheel brakes is that, with many couplers, they require a larger brake fluid reservoir and possibly a change in the stroke of the piston. You'll need to see what brand your coupler is, and what the 4-brake equivalent p/n is, then assess the differences, if any. I don't know PA's safety regulations, but what makes you think you need brakes on both axles?

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Surge brake questions.

BlueLightSpecial:

less than a quarter of a mile from the launch? I wouldn't worry about brakes on the second axle unless you expect to start trailing farther and more often.
As for the inspection. I definitely wouldn't be worrying about that. Take notice of any trailer and I'll bet you don't see any inspection stickers. I would bet 99% don't even know weather or not they need an inspection. I pull a triple axle and don't have an inspection. The police don't look for that unless there pulling you over for something else.The locals probably aren't aware that you need it.Brakes are needed on all axles by law in Pa for anything over 3000lbs. I have a class 7 insp lic.
As for the brakes dragging and the bang, i would be looking for something binding. Back it up to the point before the bang and go look at the tires and see if there hitting the fender or frame. Are you backing at a angle were the tires could be flexing and hitting the frame

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Surge brake questions.

If you can back up at all, either your brakes are not really working or you have Free Backing Brakes.
The "Bang" you hear may be the Free Backing Mechanism releasing.

Free-Backing Hydraulic Trailer Brakes will allow you to brake in reverse using a coupler with no lockout feature. When you back up, the brake shoes will be tight against the drum, as if you were braking. But as you keep going in reverse, the shoes will turn with the drum until the lining pressure will be released. You will then be able to back up freely.

 

[levittownnick]

Re: Surge brake questions.

If you can back up at all, either your brakes are not really working or you have Free Backing Brakes.
The "Bang" you hear may be the Free Backing Mechanism releasing.

Trailer's that use single-acting (1-piston instead of 2) wheel cylinders can be backed up against the brakes. With single-acting wheel cylinders there is no servo action in the reverse mode and therefore the brakes are poor in the reverse direction only. Some things just work out well.

 

[BlueLightSpecial]

Re: Surge brake questions.

I appreciate all the replies. We are planning to purchase a new house, which will put us about 6 - 8 miles away from the boat launch. I haven't really had a chance to mess around with the trailer, plus I'm not too familiar with surge brakes. Once the boat is docked, I'm planning on rewiring the trailer, replacing fenders, and get the brakes set up for inspection. On e trailer, I haven't found a coupler for 4 wheel brakes. At least they didn't state that in their description. Should I Stay with hydraulic or switch to electric?

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Surge brake questions.

Blue light.
Are you making the trip down to the Beaver this holiday with the rest of the Pgh crew?

 

[BlueLightSpecial]

Re: Surge brake questions.

Blue light.
Are you making the trip down to the Beaver this holiday with the rest of the Pgh crew?

I don't know. Probably not, but I wouldn't mind making it down for the Beaver regatta. A little bit of a hike down to the 'burgh, then up the Ohio. But sounds like a good time.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Surge brake questions.

I put 4 wheel electric brakes on my 28'er and couldn't be happier.....

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Surge brake questions.

I don't know. Probably not, but I wouldn't mind making it down for the Beaver regatta. A little bit of a hike down to the 'burgh, then up the Ohio. But sounds like a good time.

I am on the outside at the second marina on the left as you enter the Beaver. You will see a blue and white FourWinns with my screen name on it. Stop by and have a beer.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Surge brake questions.

I would just leave it as-is.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Surge brake questions.

BlueLightSpecial.

PM sent

 

[BlueLightSpecial]

Re: Surge brake questions.

BlueLightSpecial.

PM sent

I can't seem to reply. Here is the error message they gave me: Thalasso has chosen not to receive private messages or may not be allowed to receive private messages. Therefore you may not send your message to him/her.

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[BlueLightSpecial]

Re: Surge brake questions.

BlueLightSpecial.

PM sent

Thats sounds good to me. I may even launch at Sharpsburg, just to cruise through the point. It would be a good day trip. How are the Emsworth and daschields locks, time wise? If its crazy, I may just go to Monaca.

 

[Starcraft5834]

Re: Surge brake questions.

BlueLightSpecial:

less than a quarter of a mile from the launch? I wouldn't worry about brakes on the second axle unless you expect to start trailing farther and more often.
As for the inspection. I definitely wouldn't be worrying about that. Take notice of any trailer and I'll bet you don't see any inspection stickers. I would bet 99% don't even know weather or not they need an inspection. I pull a triple axle and don't have an inspection. The police don't look for that unless there pulling you over for something else.The locals probably aren't aware that you need it.Brakes are needed on all axles by law in Pa for anything over 3000lbs. I have a class 7 insp lic.
As for the brakes dragging and the bang, i would be looking for something binding. Back it up to the point before the bang and go look at the tires and see if there hitting the fender or frame. Are you backing at a angle were the tires could be flexing and hitting the frame

+1 I live in PA too. safety inspection? what's that?... never heard of it.. I've got surge breaks and they work just fine... breaks are required at a certain weight for sure,, safety inspection? if that's required why does Penn DOT issue plate registrations, up to 5 year terms without notice requiring safety inspections? my guess, no such thing on a boat trailer...

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Surge brake questions.

+1 I live in PA too. safety inspection? what's that?... never heard of it.. I've got surge breaks and they work just fine... breaks are required at a certain weight for sure,, safety inspection? if that's required why does Penn DOT issue plate registrations, up to 5 year terms without notice requiring safety inspections? my guess, no such thing on a boat trailer...

They (PennDot) also issues you car registration but they don't say you need to get the appropriate inspections done. (I/M if required or yearly insp). Any trailer that's equipped with brakes by law needs a yearly insp. I don't do it but as i said in a earlier post, most people don't know that.
Will you get pulled over for not having a insp sticker? I doubt it. Will it be noticed if the State boys pull you over? Maybe, maybe not.

067 Pa. Code ? 175.130. Inspection procedure.
www.pacode.com/secure/data/067/chapter175/s175.130.html

Read the first line in the article.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Surge brake questions.

Thats sounds good to me. I may even launch at Sharpsburg, just to cruise through the point. It would be a good day trip. How are the Emsworth and daschields locks, time wise? If its crazy, I may just go to Monaca.

Emsworth is the worst. You might get lucky and breeze on through but you could be waiting for an hour. The problem is the lock is to small for the tows and sometimes they have to break them up. Dashsheilds is no problem. You could spend the night if you want. You can tie up on my boat at the dock. There is bathrooms and showers with restaurants within walking distance. There is going to be fireworks on the second night.
As for the message thing, i will look into it.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Surge brake questions.

I can't seem to reply. Here is the error message they gave me: Thalasso has chosen not to receive private messages or may not be allowed to receive private messages. Therefore you may not send your message to him/her.

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Ok. I think i have it straightened out.