surge brakes/emergency cable

[vicsponjr]

I forgot to unhook the emergency cable on my trailer when I unhooked it from the truck and pulled away. The cable snapped. I haven't tried hooking up to the trailer since. <br />I am not sure how the emergency cable works. Do the brakes need to be reset? Do they stay engaged? How do I replace the cable? <br />The trailer is a Shoreland'r.

 

[roscoe]

Re: surge brakes/emergency cable

Best to contact Shoreland'r, or one of their dealers.

 

[KaGee]

Re: surge brakes/emergency cable

On my Atwood, breaking the cable would engage the brakes.<br /><br />Best for you to look at the hitch/brake coupler to see who the mfgr and model is and look up the unit on the net. There are only a couple people that make them. You should be able to find out how to replace the cable and get back in business.

 

[vicsponjr]

Re: surge brakes/emergency cable

Well the pulled cable did not stop me. Litterally. The brakes weren't locked up. My guess is the brakes aren't working at all. I think I am just gonna replace the actuator andstart from there. <br />The actuator acts as a brake pedal and master cylinder, correct? Beyond that should only be the brake lines, wheel cylinders and drums????

 

[BrianS.]

Re: surge brakes/emergency cable

Yep. The Actuator compresses, sends oil to the brakes. Have you made sure there is oil in the cylinder? Brakes could just be worn as well.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: surge brakes/emergency cable

The cable is connected to a lever that actuates the master cylinder. You are probably fine as long as the master cylinder is still good. If it isn't, there is no need to replace the whole actuator. You can buy the master cylinders for them.<br /><br />If your actual brakes need some help, it is often cheaper to buy a whole new backing plate that has all the parts on it including brake shoes and wheel cylinders. New wheel cylinders are aluminum now too to prevent corrosion.<br /><br />This place has a good price on parts.<br /><br />www.championtrailers.com

 

[KaGee]

Re: surge brakes/emergency cable

I replaced my whole system for around $300. The old actuator needed too much to be worth fixing. Bruce is correct, I bought the complete backing plate assembly with pads and wheel cylinder already assembled. I bought new bulk brake line at Autozone and rented the flare tool. I found a couple rotten spots in the old line. So everything is new and works great. <br /><br />Never knew how much they really help bring you to a stop.