Trailer "pop" when moving forward

[jmiskovs]

We have a new to us 2005 trailer with hydraulic brakes. The brakes work fine, but when pulling away after a full stop the trailer jerks as if the brakes are not releasing right away. Is this normal? If not, any thoughts on a remedy?

Thanks.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trailer

Re: Trailer

You need to understand how the brakes work. Look carefully at the coupler and you will see it moves fore and aft. That movement is what actuates the master cylinder in the same manner as you pushing on the brake pedal in your car. When you stop, the force of the trailer against the hitch pushes the coupler, thus applying pressure to the wheel cylinders so the brakes engage. When you move away from a stop, the coupler extends. It's that movement you are probably feeling and that is normal. If you feels that's not what's happening, go to a large parking lot and have someone with a bit of mechanical knowledge walk along side the trailer while you make a quick stop. Then have that person decide where the pop is coming from when you pull away. If its coming from just one wheel, there may be a problem. If its coming from both, I'd consider it normal. If its coming from the coupler I would also consider it normal.

 

[JB]

Re: Trailer

Re: Trailer

Excellent explanation, Silvertip.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Trailer

Re: Trailer

You will always get a little pop atthe coupler but these things can cause you to have excessive pop:

1) Hydraulic damper inside coupler has failed(not likely in your case since the trailer is fairly new.

2) Failed master cylinder or no brake fluid in master cylinder. If the master cylinder has failed, you will have excessive movement in the coupler as it basically bottoms out the mater cylinder.

3) Brakes need adjustment(drum brakes). This will also cause excessive travel of your master cylinder.

4) Brake lines need bleeding. Also causing excessive master cylinder travel.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trailer

Re: Trailer

when pulling a trailer, after a stop, your take out should be smooth and easy then apply more throttle. don't floor it on the take off, get it rolling then accelerate. i you do this everything will last a lot longer. keep your trailer and tow vehicle maintained.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trailer

Re: Trailer

Tash has a very valid suggestion. The gas pedal is a linear device -- not an on-off switch. You not only get better fuel mileage by easing away from a stop and gradually adding pedal but things will last longer as well.

 

[salty87]

Re: Trailer

Re: Trailer

when the light turns green or just before, i ease my foot off the brake pedal and slowly roll forward a foot or 2 to let that slack tighten up...as t'sd is explaining. starts are much smoother and more quiet.

 

[Jquest]

Re: Trailer

Re: Trailer

Do you get like a jolt when taking off? IF you do...then you're brake cylinders( probably one) is gone and is stuck. My trailer did that once. The boot on my right brake on the trailer was busted and salt had gotten into the cylinder. When you come to pick your boat up after the trailer has been sitting in the parking lot a while....do you ever notice if one of your tires drag on the concrete and then gives way? THat is one sign of a stuck cylinder.

 

[jmiskovs]

Re: Trailer

Re: Trailer

Because of everyone's help we were able to fix the problem. Thanks for taking the time to help.

 

[xtraham]

Re: Trailer

Re: Trailer

what was it ?

 

[jmiskovs]

Re: Trailer

Re: Trailer

First, the problem was we didn't know how the brakes worked in the first place. Silvertip's replay took care of that. The main problem was there was no brake fluid in the reservoir! I would have thought the selling dealer would have checked that, but I guess not. Lastly, we now inch forward ever so slightly at lights to allow the brakes to release on the trailer. The brakes are working just fine now.

Again, thanks to all who took the time to help.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Trailer

Re: Trailer

That is the usual reason that I have found too. I should have put that at my number 1 in my post above.

The main problem was there was no brake fluid in the reservoir!