Reversing with surge brakes

[SNye45]

As you all know going boating means that there are all kinds of things to try and remember. Checklists etc
My issue is when I am trailering and there comes a need to reverse eg. reversing into my yard, some idiot gets in the way, or I need to turn around, I am so consumed with the task of reversing safely, that I completely forget that I have to get out and move the security pin in the coupler to lock out the surge brakes.
When I forget, am I going any permanent damage to the surge brakes if I back up, other than premature wear of the pads?

Also is there a way of getting around this issue, or is this just the nature of the beast with surge drum brakes.

I have a dual axle trailer, and the electrical hook up is a flat 4 pin.

Or is the only fix to post a post-it on my dashboard to remind me every time?

Thank you

 

[superpop]

Re: Reversing with surge brakes

Most surge brake trailers have a flat 5 pin and the 5th pin is for reverse lock out. It locks the brakes out so they do not apply when voltage is seen on this pin. Pretty typical, sounds like you might need a 5pin plug rather than 4.

 

[Lancealot]

Re: Reversing with surge brakes

Great topic. I am new to towing with surge brakes and would love if someone could explain how to disable them when backing up to me. Would save me some hassle when backing uphill into my barn?

~thanks

 

[cube21]

Re: Reversing with surge brakes

This topic has also been very confusing for us as new boat owners.

Without the 5th pin in the electrical hookup:
Any time you are reversing your trailer will think you are braking, and will apply the brakes the same as it would when you are slowing down while traveling. This is because the sliding pin through the tongue will slide rearward. The only way to prevent the surge brakes is to prevent the pin from moving rearward. You can do this by sticking the little steel key in its path.

The problem we have is that the key doesnt fit perfectly, and will often fall out if the pin-hole causing us to start over: pull forward, replace the lock key, and reverse. this is much easier with two people, as one person can hold our key in place while the other reverses until its tight. Of course, you can just put a piece of tape over it the 'tape over the lock key' is probably your best bet in your situation.

All in all, surge brakes are very annoying when you are reversing on either a flat surface or uphill...but I guess we have to deal with it.

if im wrong about any of this info please correct me, as I am just learning about the surge system as well, and dont want to give others, or myself, false info.
thanks!

-CUBE-

 

[lombard]

Re: Reversing with surge brakes

Two ways around this (aside from the coupler lock out pin)...

Some drum brakes have a feature called freebacking, where the brakes release most of their pressure automatically when the wheel starts to roll backwards.

The other option is to install an electrical solenoid behind the master cylinder on the coupler. When you put the vehicle in reverse, it electrically closes a valve behind the master cylinder to prevent any brake fluid from flowing and applying the brakes. This requires a 5 pin flat electrical connector. Same 4 pins that you currently have, plus a 5th for the reverse lights. When your reverse lights are on, it activates the solenoid.

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Reversing with surge brakes

The selonoid solution works perfectly and every time. I have absolutely no issues with my surge brakes. If your surge brakes are bothering you upgrade to a five pin plug. (The fifth pin connects to the reverse lights) Your surge issues will go away and you wont have to bother with inserting a key in the coupler.

 

[cribber]

Re: Reversing with surge brakes

I'm guilty of forgetting to lockout my mechanical surge brakes now and again. Backing up slowly generally doesn't engage the surge mechanism and once the trailer is headed down the ramp the surge mechanism is no longer engaged because the trailer is now trying to pull away from the hitch. So I'd say forgetting it now and again should be okay... but you really want to make it part of your launch routine to disengage your brakes when backing.

 

[captharv]

Re: Reversing with surge brakes

If you have drum brakes, they are most likely "free backing" which lets you back up anytime you want. However for disks: The 5th wire actuates a soleniod which shuts off the brakeline. Mine is an UFP brand. It shuts off the surge master brake cylinder and connects the brake line to the resevour, so the brake line has no pressure in it.
This has three ports on it.
The 2 port model simply blocks the brake line. However, if you stopped going forward, the brakes are on. The 2 post keeps them on. So, you have to back up a bit first, and let the surge cylinder expand, then shift out of reverse to drop the pressure, then shift into reverse to back up.
You pays your money and takes your choise....

 

[captharv]

Re: Reversing with surge brakes

duplicate post

 

[Captain Paul]

Re: Reversing with surge brakes

I always unhook my lights for back up into the water. And you are right, the lock out key does not fit perfect. Here is what I do. I have a 6 inch piece of heavy duty duct tape. I slice a tiny hole in the very center. I push the key through and insert in the slot, wrap either end of the tape around the tongue. Works EVERY time. When I'm done I just wrap the piece of tape back around an old beater roll I keep in the truck. Lasts almost all year. Cheap, fast and easy. The 5 pin is the way to go though.

 

[salty87]

Re: Reversing with surge brakes

is this just the nature of the beast with surge drum brakes.

I have a dual axle trailer, and the electrical hook up is a flat 4 pin.

are the brakes actually engaging when you back up?..if so, they'll dig in if you give it gas and you won't get very far without sliding it. this assumes your brakes are adjusted correctly.

i have a similar trailer, the brakes only engage in reverse when i'm backing uphill. i have a manual lock-out too but don't have to use it very much.

if they don't engage, you don't need to lock them out.

 

[Adrift]

Re: Reversing with surge brakes

I have the same issue. The brake lockout is the 5th pin on a 4 pin hook up. I tried using the key but it kept falling out and had to be taped.

My dealer gave me the solution. I now flip the trailer wiring over and put the 5th pin in the top hole in the hitch hook up and turn my lights on. The surge is locked out.

It's a pain but much better than the key.

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Reversing with surge brakes

Thats a great idea for those short a hole Just dont forget to switch them back!

 

[204 Escape]

Re: Reversing with surge brakes

We have hydraulic/disc brakes. THe trailer has a "5" pin flat plug. Our dealer gave us a "5 pin flat, to the large round adapter" to hook up to our FORDS.

I've never noticed a problem with the backing up. I guess the "5 pin flat/to the round adapter" takes care of this. Right ??? (Not very mechanical).

 

[lombard]

Re: Reversing with surge brakes

We have hydraulic/disc brakes. THe trailer has a "5" pin flat plug. Our dealer gave us a "5 pin flat, to the large round adapter" to hook up to our FORDS.

I've never noticed a problem with the backing up. I guess the "5 pin flat/to the round adapter" takes care of this. Right ??? (Not very mechanical).

Yup. The seven pin round connector has a wire that's connected to your reverse indicator lamps. That is getting routed to the correct pin on the 5 wire flat connector. You're good to go.