Can Surge Trailer Brakes Compensate for Lighter and Heavier Trailer Weights
Published 11/30/2021
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
For trailer units that are frequently DOT inspected are hydraulic surge brakes acceptable without utilizing the cab brake controller as required with electric brakes? Otherwise are you required to go with the electric/hydraulic set up for new construction?
asked by: Matt D
Expert Reply:
The great thing about surge brakes like the Hydraulic Trailer Brake Kit # AKFBBRK-35 that you referenced is that since they use inertia to apply the trailer brakes they do compensate for differences in trailer weights. So if you had a heavier trailer they would apply harder and for a longer time than if you were to use a lighter trailer where the trailer wouldn't be pushing on the surge actuator as hard. Electric brakes offer more adjustability but they aren't self contained like the surge systems are so there's a bit of a trade off.
For a 7,000 lb surge trailer actuator the Demco part # DM62VR would work great too.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hydraulic Trailer Brake Kit - Uni-Servo - Free Backing - 10" - Left/Right Hand - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- Standard Grade
- Free Backing
- Manual Adjust
- Single Servo
- 10 x 2-1/4 Inch Drum
- 3500 lbs Axle
- 14 Inch Wheel
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- etrailer
more information >
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Matt D.
11/30/2021
For trailer units that are frequently DOT inspected are hydraulic surge brakes acceptable without utilizing the cab brake controller as required with electric brakes? Otherwise are you required to go with the electric/hydraulic set up for new construction?