What Causes Surge Brakes to Drag and Lock Up When Backing The Trailer

Updated 03/25/2015 | Published 03/24/2015

Question:

What causes surge brakes to drag and lock up in reverse?

asked by: Peggy B

Expert Reply:

When you back a surge brake trailer up a small incline, the weight of the trailer compresses the surge actuator which applies the trailer brakes.

To prevent this from happening you can use free-backing brake assemblies that will provide a bit of initial resistance, but will then let loose and allow you to back the trailer. Depending on the make and model of your coupler, you might be able to install an electric brake lock-out solenoid that would tie into the reverse lamp circuit of the tow vehicle. When the transmission is shifted into reverse, the trailer brakes are automatically shut off, allowing you to back the trailer.

I'd be happy to make some specific suggestions for free backing brakes or a coupler with an electric lock out if you could reply and tell me some more information about your trailer. I'll need to know inside diameter and depth of your brake drums, or if you were interested in the electric-lock out, reply with the manufacturer, model number and capacity of your existing surge coupler.

expert reply by: Mike L