How to Verify a Trailer Surge Brake Actuator is Still Working

Updated 01/12/2026 | Published 09/06/2024

Question:

I have an ALKO hitch on my 2007 T@B with a surge brake. How can I verify the surge brake is still operating as designed?

asked by: Hugh S

Expert Reply:

Hey Hugh, great question!

The easiest way to tell if your surge brake is operating as it should is to hook the trailer up to your vehicle and back up. This will simulate the trailer coming to a stop and should lock the brakes up. The only exceptions to this would be if you have an electric lockout (in which case you just wouldn't connect the wiring to your vehicle) or if your trailer is equipped with free-backing brakes.

The next best option would be to wrap the safety chains around a 2x4 and use that to press the coupler part of the actuator into itself. This will also simulate the trailer coming to a stop and should keep your wheels from spinning. You can have a helper try to spin one of the wheels when you do this to see if the brakes are being activated or not.

expert reply by: Jon G

Testing a Surge Brake Actuator with a 2x4
(click to enlarge)

Jameson C.

1/12/2026

Hey Hugh, how did things go when you tested the surge brake on your T@B using the backing-up method or the 2x4 trick? It’d be great to know if the brakes locked up as expected. Your update could make it easier for others checking their surge brake setup.