several trailer questions

[hydro556]

1-I just got a 19.5' deck boat and the trailer has surge brakes. This is my first experience with surge brakes. I think I understand the principle well enough as to how the brakes work, but I want to make sure. When going down the road at any speed, the trailer kind of "jerks" forward when the brakes are applied. This is what actuates the braking effect, right? Should this be pretty noticeable, or just barely noticeable?

2- The V shaped piece at the front of the trailer that stops the boat when it s fully forward on the trailer. What is it called? The one on my trailer seems to be dried out and quite hard. I am concerned that I may damage the hull of the boat with it. How hard should they be and should I consider replacing it? Also, should one winch the boat all the way against it, or just close, when trailering?

Newbie questions, I know. Thanks.

 

[88wellcraft]

Re: several trailer questions

1. The pressure from the trailer still going forward while the tow vehicle is slowing down is what engages the brakes. Shouldn't be that noticable as far as a "jerking"

2. I believe it's called a bow stop...usually made out of hard rubber, although I have seen people use stuff like pieces of car tires.

oh yeah, forgot that part....winch the boat right up against the bow stop.

 

[hydro556]

Re: several trailer questions

Thanks 88. I guess I need to let someone used to surge brake trailers drive mine. Then they could tell me whether it is working properly or not. If I am moving along at a pretty good clip and apply the brakes with any pressure at all, you can feel and hear the trailer take up the play in the tongue. It seems a little much to me, but as I said, this is my first surge brake trailer.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: several trailer questions

You will a little bit of a jerk but shouldn't be much. More than likely if you are feeling much, the master cylinder is not working properly. Have you checked the fluid in the master cylinder?

Depending on the surge unit you have, you can test the brake actuation without it being hooked up to your vehicle. It involves a lever or breakaway bar or ... that you can push the master cylinder with. You jack up each wheel and actuate the master cylinder and see if the wheel can be stopped from rotating.

Surge brake systems do take some care and upkeep. It is pretty likely that you will have to go through yours and bring them up to working order.

 

[Wide Open]

Re: several trailer questions

Surge brake systems do take some care and upkeep. It is pretty likely that you will have to go through yours and bring them up to working order.

Isn't that the truth!
Anyway, some (or maybe all, but what do I know I just got my first boat a few weeks ago) couplers have a shock absorber/damper that helps reduce the jerkiness of the surge brakes. If your trailer has one check to see if it is operating properly.