Position of a surge brake lever

[shmalik]

I have a 1999 single axle trailer made by VM. It's equipped with the hydraulic surge brakes. There is a lever on the front of the trailer that has two positions: towing and backing up.<br />When I tow the trailer that lever is always in the 'towing' position. But I have never moved it to the 'backing up' position when backing down the ramp or the driveway. How important is it to move that lever every time I am at the boat launch or parking the trailer onto the driveway? What does it do? What happens if I always keep it in the 'towing' position?<br />Thanks.

 

[tommays]

Re: Position of a surge brake lever

It depends on what kind of brakes you have ?<br /><br />most but not all drum brakes are free backing "meaning they wont work in reverse" but some drum and all disk brakes will brake in reverse if pressure is applied to the couppler<br /><br />Have you done any repiars from 1999 or are they orginal ?<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[jlshields]

Re: Position of a surge brake lever

That lever is a lockout lever to prevent the brakes from applying when backing up. If that lever is in the 'backing' position, it should return to the 'tow' position automatically if you pull forward.<br />There should be another lever with a cable attached to it with the other end going to your hitch to apply the brakes in the event the trailer separates from the tow vehicle.

 

[shmalik]

Re: Position of a surge brake lever

Tommays, I don't know if I got drum or disk brakes. How do I find out if the type of brakes I have will or will not work in the reverse? And if they do, does it mean I need to move that lever every time I am backing up?<br />I have not done any repairs, I only have that trailer for a year. I don't know if the previous owner had done anything. I am taking the trailer next week to a mechanic to repack the bearing....<br /><br />jlshields, yes there is a cable you are referring to and I do use every time.<br /><br />I just want to understand if I am damaging anything by not moving that lever to the 'backing' position...<br />Thanks again.

 

[jlshields]

Re: Position of a surge brake lever

You're not damaging anything by not moving the lever each time you back, it just will let the brakes apply in reverse.<br />Check to see that it returns to 'tow' if you pull ahead.

 

[jlinder]

Re: Position of a surge brake lever

One of the problems with surge brakes appears when you try to back up and you are pushing the trailer uphill. This happens to me when I try to park in my driveway.<br /><br />I go in reverse up a slight grade with the car pushing the boat. This causes the surge brake to apply and the trailer fights me. The more gas I give it the harder the surge brake is applied. I suspect your lever locks the coupler and keeps the brake from being applied.<br /><br />This is nt a problem when you launch since the trailer is always going downhill.<br /><br />BTW - I have to use the quick coupler when I reverse to disconnect the brakes so I can back up uphill.<br /><br />Hope that explanation helps.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Position of a surge brake lever

When launching a boat you are generally backing "down" the ramp so there is little chance the surge brake system will actuate and it doesn't matter if the brakes are free backing or not. However, as was pointed out, backing "uphill" does actuate the brakes and the lever you mention should be in the reverse position to prevent the brakes from engaging. Disk brakes look the the brakes on the front wheel of your car or truck.

 

[shmalik]

Re: Position of a surge brake lever

Thank you guys. Now it's clear. Do not touch the lever unless backing uphill.<br />I appreciate the help.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Position of a surge brake lever

actually i use my lever everytime i back. it cut down wear and tear on the pads or shoes,drum or disc.

 

[jlinder]

Re: Position of a surge brake lever

When backing down the brakes do not activate. How would they wear?

 

[KM2]

Re: Position of a surge brake lever

Do you have a 5 wire plug? Many systems have a automatic lock out when you put the vehicle in reverse. That's the 5th wire, one more the your normal 4 plug trailer wiring set up. I have never had to use the manual lock out.