Testing surge brakes

[sailcal]

How do I test the surge brakes on my boat trailer to see if they are working.
I can't tell if they are or aren't are actvating when I am towing the boat.

 

[superbenk]

Re: Testing surge brakes

You shouldn't feel the trailer pushing you when you put the brakes on. Shouldn't really feel much different than braking without the boat (you'll still feel it back there, but it shouldn't feel like it's pushing you).

Also, if you feel the brake discs or drums after some hard braking they should be hot (don't burn your fingers!).

 

[arks]

Re: Testing surge brakes

Testing is easy. I raise the trailer wheels off the ground, then put the ball mount into the coupler (not connected to the truck). Spin the trailer tires by hand and push DOWN on the ball mount. If the trailer brakes are working the wheels will stop!

 

[superbenk]

Re: Testing surge brakes

Ok, I like arks way better. More definitive answer.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Testing surge brakes

That's how I tested mine as well until I got electric/hydraulic.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Testing surge brakes

Testing is easy. I raise the trailer wheels off the ground, then put the ball mount into the coupler (not connected to the truck). Spin the trailer tires by hand and push DOWN on the ball mount. If the trailer brakes are working the wheels will stop!

You can also use a screwdriver to actuate them.

 

[elkhunter338]

Re: Testing surge brakes

You can also go to a hill and try backing up the hill and see if you feel resistance from the trailer brakes. I can sure tell mine are working when I back up a hill and forget to engage the back up solenoid.

 

[marcoalza]

Re: Testing surge brakes

Don't get too complicated.
Just try reversing and you should feel the brakes come on.

The action of the actuator will be the same as if youy were braking normally.

 

[superbenk]

Re: Testing surge brakes

Don't get too complicated.
Just try reversing and you should feel the brakes come on.

The action of the actuator will be the same as if youy were braking normally.

Unless you have a reverse release solenoid wired into the system & no easy way to disconnect it.

 

[marcoalza]

Re: Testing surge brakes

Unless you have a reverse release solenoid wired into the system & no easy way to disconnect it.

Just unplug it?

 

[superbenk]

Re: Testing surge brakes

Just unplug it?

Oh you & your silly logic!!

 

[Lakes84]

Re: Testing surge brakes

I just put hydraulic brakes on a virgin (no brakes on it...ever) Florida tandem trailer that carries my 21 ft SportCraft yesterday. Took about 7 hours to do it myself.... fairly easy. Hardest part was connecting the hoses and bleeding all four wheels. I took it around my neighborhood to test the brakes and like others have said, I felt it back there, but it stopped easily. I tried different speeds and stopped quickly to see if they would work..( also checking for leaks). Better to test something like this on a quiet side street than in real traffic. I towed it in rush hour traffic this morning on I94, constant stop and go and the brakes worked perfectly. Safety first when dealing with brakes!!

See you on the lake


Joe

 

[superbenk]

Re: Testing surge brakes

I just put hydraulic brakes on a virgin (no brakes on it...ever)

Sounds like fun

 

[Lakes84]

Re: Testing surge brakes

Sounds like fun

You have no idea lol

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Testing surge brakes

when I wanted to test mine I grabbed a couple pieces of 4x4 lumber and chocked behind the wheels... then back up.... rolls over w no prob=bad.... jams against wood and slides=good