No Brake Fluid? Bad for my trailer?

[jwharan]

I have a 1997 EZloader trailer that came with my 18' sea ray. Boat weighs 2700 lbs. There is are brake lines running from the coupler to each brake. There is also a reserve tank on top of the coupler that says to add DOt 5 brake oil i think? <br /><br />I just got the trailer and the reserve tank is empty and rusted out. What do these brake lines do? Should I just add some oil to the tanks. Do I even need the lines? It appears the guy was towing with out ever filling the tank. Can someone give me some pointers? Thanks.

 

[JohnRuff]

Re: No Brake Fluid? Bad for my trailer?

Prognosis is poor. I suggest having them checked out by a brake shop. There are also many posts on here how to fix them yourself. I just paid $950 to have mine replaced - you could do it yourself for about $350. <br /><br />Personally - I wish I had just switched mine over to electric which is very easy to do.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: No Brake Fluid? Bad for my trailer?

If the master cylinder is empty and rusty, the entire system is very likely junk. That said, you could add fluid, then bleed each wheel cylinder until all bubbles are removed and the fluid runs clear (again, not likely that will happen). If there are no leaks when finished, run it. However, this is a safety issue and you make have one brake, two brakes, brakes that lock up, or brakes that simply don't work. A surge brake system works just like the brakes on your car, only instead of stepping on a pedal, as the tow vehicle slows, the reaction (weight of the trailer) pushing against the car causes the coupler to actuate the master cylinder. The MC forces fluid through the brake line to each wheel cylinder which expands the brake shoes (or pads) against the drums (or discs) causing the trailer to help slow everything down. The system is self modulating. As the trailer begins to slow at the same rate as the tow vehicle, pressure on the actuator (master cylinder) eases thus releasing the brakes.

 

[milkyway]

Re: No Brake Fluid? Bad for my trailer?

The trailer has not been taken care of. If you have no experience and not willing to do it, you must have the trailer set up properly. Adding fluid will not do it. For your safety and of others, not to mention lawsuits, have it tuned to specs.

 

[rwidman]

Re: No Brake Fluid? Bad for my trailer?

Some boaters think it's a good idea to disable trailer brakes because they require maintenance. These boaters are not too smart. <br /><br />You need brakes that work. The previous owner may have removed the shoes or cylinders to avoid having to maintain the brakes. The wording of your post suggests that you should have the brakes inspected and repaired by a professional. After this is done, you can learn how to maintain them yourself if you wish.

 

[Solittle]

Re: No Brake Fluid? Bad for my trailer?

There isn't a part in the entire braking system that is difficult to replace with common tools most guys have. Save yourself some bucks and go for it.

 

[rwidman]

Re: No Brake Fluid? Bad for my trailer?

Originally posted by SoLittle:<br /> There isn't a part in the entire braking system that is difficult to replace with common tools most guys have. Save yourself some bucks and go for it.

This is true, but you need to know what you're doing. The original post indicates that he doesn't, at least not yet.

 

[KaGee]

Re: No Brake Fluid? Bad for my trailer?

I just redid my complete system...<br /><br />New Atwood surge coupler... $150<br />New Atwood backer plates with brake shoes and cylinder...$52.00 ea side.<br /><br />New brake line and connectors... $30.00<br /><br />The experience of literally doing it all by myself with boat on trailer... Priceless! (entertaining for those watching, I'm sure)<br /><br />JW, I think you will find that the existing brake line is junk too. The difference in towing with brakes vs without is like night and day... at least with my boat.

 

[rwidman]

Re: No Brake Fluid? Bad for my trailer?

The difference in towing with brakes vs without is like night and day... at least with my boat.

It's also a legal issue. In most states, a trailer must have brakes if it weighs 3,000 lb or more (with the boat). In some states this is as low as 1,000 lb.