Surge Brakes. About the reverse lockout, etc

[Philster]

I've hauled my 26' Scarab three times. Twice, the trip was 100 miles or more. I just got the boat/trailer in October.

I was reading some other posts and encountered something that made me go "hmmmm" : Some other boaters have mentioned that the only way their surge-brake equipped trailer can go in reverse is if they use a lockout pin, which defeats the brakes (or something like that).

I've been in reverse and forward (obviously) and never had a problem, and never did anything to the trailer to effect the maneuver.

I was with at least one experienced tower at all times, and they said they could feel the brakes come on during regular driving, and then whenever there was a mild clunk at initial acceleration they said that was the surge brakes/mechanism releasing.

I've never heard of the pin, and I am wondering if I am missing something, not actually using my surge brakes, or if the pin/reverse thing is an issue for SOME surge-brake equipped trailers.

Mildly confused.... ~Phil

 

[Subliminal]

Re: Surge Brakes. About the reverse lockout, etc

Phil,

I'm a bit of a noob, but I just purchased a boat/trailer combo with brakes, so i've been reading up. The pin, from what I understand, is mainly used when reversing up hill.

Surge brakes work when the trailer is pushed up against the tow vehicle, and a little cylinder pushes fluid out to the brakes. When you push the gas, or stop braking, the trailer is pulled back a little bit and the brakes release.

When reversing on (semi) level ground, you should be able to reverse with no issue, but if you're trying to reverse up a hill, the trailer is pushed up against the tow vehicle and the brakes will lock up. This is when the pin is used.

...or so I believe.

 

[CatTwentyTwo]

Re: Surge Brakes. About the reverse lockout, etc

The reverse lockout solenoid or lockout pin is required on trailers with surge disc brakes. You most likely have drum brakes of the free backing design and do not need to worry about it as they provide almost no braking when backing up. My trailer came with drum brakes and I could back uphill with no problem. When I converted to disc brakes, I found that I could not back up even on level ground with out the reverse lockout solenoid energized.

 

[Splat]

Re: Surge Brakes. About the reverse lockout, etc

How many wires are on you electrical harness between truck and trailer.

Besides what was all ready mentioned you may have a bypass or lockout solonoid that is electronically activated by your reverse lights.

Not a knock on your trailer, but the very things you mentioned, the clunking, the noticeable/non noticeable braking force, and the lack of brakes in reverse is exactly why I stick with electric brakes.

Bill

 

[seaboo]

Re: Surge Brakes. About the reverse lockout, etc

Phil,

I'm a bit of a noob, but I just purchased a boat/trailer combo with brakes, so i've been reading up. The pin, from what I understand, is mainly used when reversing up hill.

Surge brakes work when the trailer is pushed up against the tow vehicle, and a little cylinder pushes fluid out to the brakes. When you push the gas, or stop braking, the trailer is pulled back a little bit and the brakes release.

When reversing on (semi) level ground, you should be able to reverse with no issue, but if you're trying to reverse up a hill, the trailer is pushed up against the tow vehicle and the brakes will lock up. This is when the pin is used.

...or so I believe.

That has to be the SIMPLIST and MOST ACCURATE description of surge brakes I've ever heard. Just to add to it the solenoid accomplishes the same thing only without the "human (possible) error" factor.

For the op the champion trailer website has good info on surge brakes and also the manufacturer of your coupler might have more info also.

 

[nitsuj]

Re: Surge Brakes. About the reverse lockout, etc

On my surge drum brakes, I need to put in the pin even if I'm backing up on flat ground. I guess it depends on how sensitive they are. I think the other answers are right on. You either have a free backing system, or an electric lock out.

 

[dan t.]

Re: Surge Brakes. About the reverse lockout, etc

there are 2 types of surge brake hitches, the lighter duty type pivots like a knuckle to apply the master cylnder, this usually needs the lock out for reverse. the heavy duty set up telescopes in and out these dont usually have a reverse lock out. this pertaines to drum only, all disk set ups need some sort of a lock out

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Surge Brakes. About the reverse lockout, etc

there are 2 types of surge brake hitches, the lighter duty type pivots like a knuckle to apply the master cylnder, this usually needs the lock out for reverse. the heavy duty set up telescopes in and out these dont usually have a reverse lock out. this pertaines to drum only, all disk set ups need some sort of a lock out

I totally disagree. Either one will actuate equally if provided the same force.

 

[dan t.]

Re: Surge Brakes. About the reverse lockout, etc

My telescoping set up doesnt even have a lock out, backs up no problem, I had a knuckle set up on a different trailer with a smaller boat, it would not back up with out the brakes locked out

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Surge Brakes. About the reverse lockout, etc

I have had 3 boats with telescoping and 2 of the pivoting type. Of all 5, the one I had the most problems with backing up was a Dico Model 10 unit. I ws able to make my own lockout for it though.