Can a Trailer With Surge Brakes Be Towed Using a Vehicle With Electric Brake Controller Installed  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Yes, you can tow a trailer with hydraulic surge brakes using a vehicle with electric brake controller installed. The brake controller would not be used for this application but it would not have any effect on the functionality of the hydraulic surge brakes. That said, if there is an electric lockout feature on the surge brake actuator then you will need an adapter for this and the wiring, the Adapter 7 Pole to 5 Pole Flat part # A75TB. If you have a 5-way trailer connector on the trailer then that means you have an electric lockout feature most likely and need the adapter.

expert reply by: Conner L

0

John

3/19/2024

This is probably a repeat question but here goes.. My tow vehicle has a brake controller that has the option to change from towing a trailer with electric brakes or hydraulic brakes. What setting should the brake controller be set at when towing a U Haul trailer with surge brakes?

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Jesse M.

3/28/2024

@John The electric trailer brake controller in your tow vehicle will not be used in this scenario. U-haul trailers have surge brakes that are actuated by the trailers coupler based on deceleration of the tow vehicle. No brake signal is being sent electrically from the vehicle to the trailer so it does not matter what setting your brake controller is on.

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