Is There Such Thing As Free-Backing Trailer Surge Brakes
Updated 10/29/2018 | Published 10/28/2018
Question:
I have a trailer that will be used on multiple vehicles by different owners. Thus, I can not make assumptions about their wiring, etc. Right now the trailer has surge drum brakes on it which is fine but the brakes and actuator are shot and need to be replaced. I would like to change to disc brakes but the only ones I have found require electronic lockout and thus a mod to the vehicle wiring which I cannot do. Is there such a thing as free backing disc brakes? Or is there another solution to this problem that allows me to switch to disc brakes ? Or do I just need to stay with the free backing drum brakes ?? Thanks in advance!
asked by: Henry G
Expert Reply:
Since there's no such thing as a free-backing disc brake setup your best option most likely would be to go with free-backing drum brakes. It's a somewhat expensive option, but if you converted the trailer to electric over hydraulic disc brakes you'd be able to back the trailer up without issues but the vehicles would all have to have brake controllers installed that are compatible with EOH brakes so that may not be best setup either. I attached a help articles on adding brakes to trailers for you to check out as well.
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: brake actuator
- Shop: Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator - Drum - Zinc - 2" Ball - 7,000 lbs
- Shop: Titan Zinc-Plated, Leverlock Brake Actuator - Drum - Adjustable Ball - Bolt On - 7,000 lbs
- Shop: Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 3,500-lb Axles - 10" Diameter - 6 on 5-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 5,200-lb E-Z Lube Axles - 12" - 6 on 5-1/2
- Shop: #42 E-Z Lube Spindle w/ Flange for 5.2K to 7K Trailer Axles - 2-1/4" Diameter
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Axle Beam with E-Z Lube Spindles - 89" Long - 5,200 lbs
- Q&A: Replacement Hubs With Bearings 25580 and LM67048 and Brakes Which Fit
- Q&A: What is Difference Between Uni Servo and Duo Hydraulic Brake Assemblies for Trailer
- Q&A: Comparing Single and Dual Servo Hydraulic Drum Trailer Brakes
- Q&A: Determining If Surge Brake Actuator Has Lockout or If Brakes are Free-Backing
- Q&A: How To Find Correct Replacement 6-Lug Hubs for Boat Trailer
- Shop: Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 5,200-lb and 6,000-lb Axles - 12" - 6 on 5-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Q&A: Will Bearing Buddy Fit on Trailer Axle With EZ Lube Spindles
- Q&A: Do LM67048 and 15123 Bearings Fit The Same Spindle
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Article: How to Measure Your Trailer Wheel Bolt Pattern
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Video: A Look at the Power Mountain Tallboy 6 Ton Off-Road Bottle Jack with a Military Cargo Trailer
- Search Results: trailer jack
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Search Results: trailer lights
on Trailer Brakes
