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

Question

Question:

Can you tow a trailer with surge breaks if the tow vehicle has a break controller already installed.

asked by: Ray

0

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?

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.

Answer 1

Neal, whenever you see that the app for the Curt Echo #C51180 is saying that the 7-way is disconnected, and it isn't, the problem is usually with the 7-way. I'd start by checking both the vehicle and trailer side and make sure that there are…

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Answer 2

The solid blue light on the Curt Echo #C51180 means that the controller is paired to your smart device but the controller isn't sensing that the trailer is connected. Since your trailer was working just fine a few weeks ago and the controller is…

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Answer 3

Generally when the Curt Echo Under-Dash #C27JR says the 7-way is disconnected but it isn't, the issue is actually the 7-way is problematic, either on your vehicle or trailer. I'd check to make sure the 7-way on both does not have bent pins,…

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Answer 4

The older versions of the Echo did not have the required bracket to install a strap. If you went with a newer version of the #C51180 you'd have improved connectivity as that was one of the other things they improved around time they added the…

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Answer 5

Hey Ken, it looks like your 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning has brake controller wiring behind the coin holder. If you pop that out you should find 4 wires that you will use to wire to a controller like the Redarc Tow Pro Liberty part #RED52VR which only…

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Answer 6

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 7

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 8

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

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Answer 9

Hey Andrew! Yes, Furrion does have a Chill Cube model with a heat pump. This was actually just released for aftermarket sale. You will need a complete system to make the switch, new R32 units aren't backwards compatible with old R410A systems.…

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Answer 10

This is going to we a sweet setup on your Tremor Joe! The Yakima LongArm Truck Bed Load Extender #Y01149 is one of the best options for your setup because of its versatility and adjustability. It’s designed to work in multiple configurations…

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Answer 11

I recommend the Rhino-Rack Vortex Crossbar System #RRVA180B-RRRLT600 for the RetraxPRO XR Hard Tonneau Cover #RTX47SR on your 2021 Ford F-150. These crossbars are 71" wide giving you a wide surface area for larger accessories. The 3" legs…

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Answer 12

The Pace Edwards Contractor Rig Rack Truck Bed Ladder Rack #311-CR3009 which will fit your 2022 Ford Lightning XLT attaches to the T-slot rails on the Pace Edwards UltraGroove Retractable Hard Tonneau Cover #PE99UV.

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

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