Testing surge brakes.

[nitsuj]

The trailer I have now is equipped with surge brakes. All my other trailers have had electric brakes so I have no experience with surge brakes. Before I go dragging this thing all over the country, is there a quick way to test the brakes to make sure they're functioning properly? Should they lock up totally if I try to back up quickly?

 

[rbh]

Re: Testing surge brakes.

quick test, try backing up a steep hill without the pin in, tires should lock up
or jack tires off ground have some one try to turn tires while you press (bar down) and engage the system.
rob

 

[nlain]

Re: Testing surge brakes.

I know disc brakes will lock if you reverse quickly, some if not all drum brakes are free backing. If they do not lock when you back up quick then jack wheels off ground, have someone work the tounge and see if you can turn wheel.

 

[captharv]

Re: Testing surge brakes.

Simple test. Go to a mall or plaza parking lot and get up to 30 then stop. Then, use a bolt or block of wood and jam it into the coupler to disable it. Then try the stopping again. You should feel a big difference.
Are they drum or disk?

 

[RoyR]

Re: Testing surge brakes.

Stop on a down-hill, jack up each wheel and see if they turn.

 

[505callyourball]

Re: Testing surge brakes.

There should be an opening on top of the tongue assembly. It's wide enough for a large flathead screwdriver. Stick it in and it allows you to work the system to do the manual test at home. It will go in at an angle and then becomes your lever working front to back or back to front. Not side to side. Hope that helps!

That's also how you bleed them.

 

[nitsuj]

Re: Testing surge brakes.

Thanks for all the advice. Ok, I tested them by accident and they work. Tried to back up at the gas station, no go. They are drum, btw.

Also good to know there is a spot to activate them manually for bleeding. That was going to be my next question.

 

[derekpfeiffer]

Re: Testing surge brakes.

Just a side note...Some of the newer systems like the one on my 2008 trailer have a five wire plug and this senses the reverse light and dumps the system alowing you back up without putting a stop in the tounge.

 

[nitsuj]

Re: Testing surge brakes.

I wish I had an automatic lockout. That would be nice. But my trailer is a 1967 so nothing the 'newer" trailers have apply to mine. ;-)

 

[RoyR]

Re: Testing surge brakes.

You can always install the Disc Actuator w/Solenoid, usually used with disc brake trailers....

http://shop.easternmarine.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=catalog.prodInfo&productID=5436

PS. The drum brakes should not lock up in reverse, just the way they are designed.

 

[505callyourball]

Re: Testing surge brakes.

Does yours have the access on top of the tongue? If so, very good. I had a '08 Wesco and it would let me back up unless it was sandy or uphill....good luck!