Stratos surge brakes.

[btmsup1]

I have a single axle trailer with surge brakes for towing my Stratos 201 pro XL. When I bought this boat and trailer, the brake fluid chamber was empty. I imagine the master cylinder is dry (shot) and needs replaced, however should I be concerned about transmission damage due to the trailer tongue slipping during braking without fluid resistance from the surge brakes? Where should I begin in refurbishing my trailer brakes?

All help is much appreciated...

 

[RIDEPATE]

Re: Stratos surge brakes.

I would not think you'd be hurting your tranny. If the actuators been dry-humping, it's more than likely done. I'd start by pulling the wheels then inspect the drums/discs ,whichever you have, and go from there. Mine were inoperable also and everything was toast. I'm in the process of a drum to disc conversion, all new everything. Let us know what you find and we'll go from there.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Stratos surge brakes.

I would not think you'd be hurting your tranny. If the actuators been dry-humping, it's more than likely done. I'd start by pulling the wheels then inspect the drums/discs ,whichever you have, and go from there. Mine were inoperable also and everything was toast. I'm in the process of a drum to disc conversion, all new everything. Let us know what you find and we'll go from there.

That's usually the case, once the master goes dry, water gets in and rust destroys everything front to back.

The trailer brakes aren't going to do anything to your tranny, but the extra load will take a toll on your tow vehicle brakes.

 

[boat1010]

Re: Stratos surge brakes.

I guess that it is a question of how long have they been "dry". I would fill it and check for leaks. Can't hurt..

 

[sw33ttooth]

Re: Stratos surge brakes.

the boat i bought last year the surge brake master cylinder was empty[dry] of course it had been sitting forever past owners only used it to haul 2 miles a year at most. i toped it off and it's been full since and they work. maybe i got lucky and it was draind some how before i got it i dont know but i would put $5.00 of brake fluid into it before i would throw a few hundred at a brake job. to which if it is really blow and you need new lines master cylinder and drums, buy electric brakes for an added cost but there easier towing and stopping when i get the extra money i will switch it over.

 

[btmsup1]

Re: Stratos surge brakes.

Thanks for the info all. I decided to try the easiest (and cheapest) test method first and added some brake fluid to the MC to see what whould happen. First filling emptied the reservoir on the first trip, refilled a second time and the fluid held. Checked the lines and found no leaks so I think they are alright, but I am going to pull the drums and look inside for damage anyway. Looking around for a new master cylinder now before I have to pull this thing to South Carolina this summer.