Equilizer hitch and surge brakes

[alvargo]

I've been using an equilizer hitch with my load rite boat trailer for over fifteen years. The combined weight of the boat/trailer is around 6,000 pounds and the trailer has surge breaks. I noticed in several ads for these hitches warning against using them with surge brakes. <br /><br />I wouldn't tow the boat without them now because of the level and smooth ride they provide. I haven't been able to find an explanation as to why the warning with surge brakes? I've never had a problem with braking?<br /><br />I'm using the Reese load leveling system...<br /><br />Any ideas?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Equilizer hitch and surge brakes

Surge brake systems have a moveable coupler on the trailer. As the tow vehicle brakes, the trailer obviously tries to push the two vehicle. That reaction causes movement between the coupler and the trailer tongue. As soon as the trailer begins braking at the same rate as the tow vehicle, pressure on the coupler relaxes and brake force is reduced. Hence, the surge brakes are truely self-modulating. The brake master cylinder is connected to the coupler and the master cylinder itself is mounted to the tongue. The reaction therefore is what activates the trailer brakes. Using an equalizer with this system can limit or prevent movement in the surge brake system because of the physical link (the equalizer bars) between the two vehicle and the trailer frame. Chain style snap ups probably allow some movement but I would agree that the equalizer hitch limits effectiveness of the surge brake system.

 

[alvargo]

Re: Equilizer hitch and surge brakes

Thanks for the reply. I agree that it would be assumed that the bars would limit movement, but with the chain connections I haven't had a problem with the heavy trailer. The setup seems to allow enough movement for effective braking for my situation. <br /><br />I'm considering purchasing a new trailer (and maybe a new boat) but I'm concerned about electric brakes and salt water. I used to tow a travel trailer with electric brakes and I never felt as comfortable with them as I do with the surge brake setup. The electric brakes always seemed to apply too much or too little braking. It's been awhile, so maybe the newer brake controllers do a better job. <br /><br />I like the surge brakes because any vehicle with sufficient towing capacity can tow the trailer without any special braking equipment.<br /><br />The newer disc brake systems also seem to have an advantage in a salt water environment. Even with the galvanized drum brakes with stainless springs and hardware, I'm replacing the brakes every two or three years.<br /><br />Not sure what to do....<br /><br />Al

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Equilizer hitch and surge brakes

My first experience with electric brakes was on a new travel trailer in 1978. I used a Tekonsha controller and when properly adjusted worked just fine. I agree though that surge brakes are the smoothest. But they have one drawback, they are worthless on icy roads. I built a six-place snowmobile trailer with surge brakes and on one trip we passed the same intersection three times trying to get slow enough to make the corner. (Downhill both ways).

 

[alvargo]

Re: Equilizer hitch and surge brakes

I used a Tekonsha controller as well towing the travel trailer with a 1975 Ford Wagon with a 460 V8 back around 1979 or so. It had a lever to allow you to manually apply or hold back the brakes and had this big adjustable resistor thing used to fine tune the setup. The first time I'd two in the spring there must have been some surface rust on the drums or something because the brakes would lock up very easily smoking the tires unless I held back on the lever. By the time I got to where I was going they would work pretty well though. They didn't get any exposure to salt water though....<br /><br />You're braver than me towing anything with any weight in the snow or ice I could see where the electric brakes could help you out in that situation though, because you can manually apply the trailer brakes to straighten you out and hold you back... something you can't do with surge brakes...<br /><br />Al