Can Surge Trailer Brakes Compensate for Lighter and Heavier Trailer Weights

Published 11/30/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Hydraulic Trailer Brake Kit - Uni-Servo - Free Backing - 10" - Left/Right Hand - 3,500 lbs

(243)

$169.47

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

(132)

$213.36

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.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Matt D.

11/30/2021

Jameson C.

11/30/2021

Surge brake systems are perfectly legal and would pass DOT inspections. You might check with your local DOT just to be sure but everything we have seen from DOT and FMCSA shows they are perfectly legal.