Trailer Surge Brake Coupler Operation

Published 02/16/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator - Drum - Zinc - 2" Ball - 7,000 lbs

(442)

$158.11

Demco Unassembled Hydraulic Brake Actuator - Drum - Raw - 8" Adjustable Channel Center - 20K

(3)

$417.79

Dexter Zinc-Plated, Adjustable-Channel Brake Actuator - Drum - Lunette Ring - Bolt On - 20,000 lbs

(1)

$835.64

Question:

Attached is trailer surge brake tongue, picture. Much heavier Equipment.

asked by: ME

Expert Reply:

I am not sure what surge coupler you have on your ditch witch trailer, but I think I can help with the function. Surge brakes use the momentum of the vehicle and the hitch ball to activate stopping by pushing against the plunger of the master cylinder inside the coupler. This is like hitting a brake pedal. The amount of force is transferred into the braking pressure of the hydraulic brake system. So when pulling it has no pressure (like having your foot off the brake pedal) and when stopping, the pressure from your stopping or slowing vehicle is transferred to the trailer through the trailer hitch ball (like pressing your foot on the brake pedal) to the brakes on the trailer. I've attached a video for you as well as some help articles.

expert reply by: Jason S

click to enlarge

2/16/2017

Attached is trailer surge brake tongue, picture. Much heavier Equipment.

Jason S.

2/16/2017

I see, it has a lunette ring. That is a much bigger coupler. I've attached a link to the page so you can determine which one will best suit your needs based on the weight capacity and trailer pole tongue size. We have bolt-on applications like # T4836200 and weld-on applications like # DM6049.