Troubleshooting Sticking Trailer Surge Brakes

Updated 04/08/2015 | Published 04/07/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Zinc-Plated Brake Actuator - Drum - Multi-Fit Ball - Bolt On - 7,000 lbs

(173)

$327.00

Dexter Hydraulic Brake Line with Fittings - 13" Long

(41)

$45.59

Dexter Hydraulic Brake Line with Fittings - 25" Long

(62)

$62.82

Question:

I have a Titan 60 surge actuator operating one set of stainless steel DeeMax brakes with stainless brake pads on one of my two axles, towing a 6500 pound boat, with a F250 v10. Ive had no issues at all. Just the other day, so as to be legal, I had my trailer manufacturer add an additional set of the DeeMax brakes with stainless pads. However, on the drive home there were many times when I was slowly accelerating from a stop that it felt like the brakes were still engaged. This would eventually stop, and if I really accelerated hard from a stop I would definitely pop the actuator forward and not have the brakes stay engaged. I am wondering if somehow the Titan 6 isnt capable of handling all four brakes - perhaps due to fluid flow, or maybe a too-small diameter output line from the master cylinder? If this is the case, would a Titan 10 be a better fit for me? Would I need to get a special line like this: T0777300 Or the longer one, like this? T0980100 Or will I be able to use my existing line as well as my brake lines that are going to the brakes now? Thank you!

asked by: Steven F

Expert Reply:

As long as your Titan model 60 surge brake actuator is rated for disc brakes and is in good working order it should have not problem activating 4 sets of brake assemblies. If your brakes are sticking all of a sudden after having an additional set of brakes installed I would take the trailer back to the shop that did the work and have them go over their installation to see what they possibly messed up.

Normally sticking surge brakes are the result of worn out actuator components, so it could be purely coincidence that yours are sticking now. I would recommend you go over the actuator looking for any worn out parts and replace as necessary. It is possible that a line got kinked.

expert reply by: Jameson C