testing surge brakes

[kdpboater]

I just bought a 3 year old boat with a tandem trailer w/surge brakes on all four wheels. This is my first trailer w/ brakes and have not pulled a boat with this SUV before. How can I tell if the brakes are working correctly or at all?

 

[DJ]

Re: testing surge brakes

kdpboater,<br /><br />You can jam the coupler with something that will not allow it to slide and do some brake testing. MAKE SURE YOU DO THIS IN A SAFE PLACE, LIKE AN EMPTY PARKING LOT.<br /><br />Run one test with the coupler disabled and one with the coupler able to slide. Yoou'll notice the difference if they are working.

 

[MIKE F]

Re: testing surge brakes

If that trailer, has disk brakes, and not drums, you can back up with the solenoid lock out wire dis-connected and the brakes SHOULD lock up.