Troubleshooting Surge Brake Boat Trailer that Makes Slamming Sound When Hitting Bumps

Published 09/13/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Reese Friction Sway Control Kit - Economy - by Draw-Tite, Reese and Hidden Hitch

(486)

$74.50

Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator w/ Electric Lockout - Disc - Zinc - 2" Ball - 7,000 lbs

(118)

$213.72

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

(337)

$152.75

Question:

I have Disc brakes

asked by: Ed

Expert Reply:

Is your trailer sitting as level as possible? Sounds like it could be sitting possibly nose high and combined maybe with a bit of play in the ball mount is creating the slamming you are experiencing. It's also possible your surge actuator has a bad shock and the bump is causing the actuator to apply and release the brakes quickly which is causing what you described. If you can push in on the front of the actuator you should be able to see the actuator somewhat slowly rebound to the fully out position. If it springs back quickly the shock is bad.

If you can send me a picture of the actuator I can see if we have a replacement shock for it as well. I also attached a link to this page that has all of the shocks we carry as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C

click to enlarge

9/11/2019

Here's a couple of photo's

Jameson C.

9/11/2019

We don't carry the Tie Down actuators so we aren't going to be able to set you up with a different master cylinder. We could only recommend a different actuator all together like the Demco part # DM72VR which is for drum brakes.

9/13/2019

I have Disc brakes

Jameson C.

9/13/2019

In that case you'd want the disc brake version of this actuator part # DM62VR.