Will Trailer Surge Brakes Apply When Travelling Down Hill
Updated 12/22/2025 | Published 10/02/2024
Question:
Do hydraulic brakes drag all the way down a hill? It seems like this will cause them to overheat.
asked by: Kevin C
Expert Reply:
Hey Kevin, this is a great question but basically it would take more force than cruising down a hill for the surge brake actuator to apply the trailer's brakes. Basically it would take you applying the trailer brakes down the hill. The great thing about surge brakes is that if for some reason the trailer brakes end up applying to hard it would pull the trailer back from the tow vehicle which would stop the braking action.
The only time there's a real issue is backing up the trailer up a hill. But in those situations there are reverse lock outs and free backing plate brake assemblies to combat that.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter DX7.5L A-60L Surge Brake Actuator w Electric Lockout - Disc - 2" Ball - Primed - 7.5K
- Brake Actuator
- Surge Brake Actuator
- Farm Trailer
- Boat Trailer
- Construction Trailer
- Travel Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Weld-On
- 7500 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Ball Coupler
- 3 Inch Channel Tongue
- Disc Brakes
- Electric Lockout
- Dexter
more information >
Continue Researching
- Video: Review of Dexter Brake Actuator - Surge Brake Actuator With Electric Lockout - DX49FR
- Search Results: dx99fr
- Search Results: ce26098g~2
- Search Results: dexter ufp
- Search Results: disc brake
- Search Results: boatmate
- Shop: Dexter DX7.5L A-60L Surge Brake Actuator w Electric Lockout - Disc - 2" Ball - Primed - 7.5K
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Single Axle Trailer Fender for Boat Trailers
- Video: Comprehensive Review: Replacement Inner Member for Dexter DX7.5L Actuator
- Video: Detailed Breakdown of the Dexter DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator w Electric Lockout
- Video: Dexter DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator w Electric Lockout Spec Review
- Video: Replacement Single Axle Trailer Fender for Boat Mate Trailers Feature Review
- Video: Replacement Inner Member for Dexter DX7.5L Actuator Spec Review
- Shop: Single Axle Trailer Fender for Boat Trailers - Steel - 14" to 15" Wheels - Qty 1
- Shop: Replacement Inner Member for Dexter DX7.5L Actuator - Single Axle w/ Disc - 2" Ball - 7,500 lbs
- Shop: Dexter DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator w Electric Lockout - Bolt On - Disc - 2" Ball - Zinc - 7.5K
- Shop: Dexter DX7.5L A-60XL Surge Brake Actuator w Electric Lockout - Disc - 2" Ball - Primed - 7.5K
- Shop: Dexter DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator w Electric Lockout - Bolt On - Disc - 2" Ball - Zinc - 7.5K
- Shop: Dexter DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator w Electric Lockout - Bolt On - Disc - 2" Ball - Zinc - 7.5K
- Search Results: surge brakes
- Search Results: trailer brakes
- Q&A: Recommended Replacement for Atwood Surge Brake Actuator 85778
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: Replacement for Atwood 61101 Brake Actuator
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
on Brake Actuator
Jameson C.
12/22/2025
Hey Kevin, how did things go with your surge brake actuator on those downhill runs? Did the braking feel smooth without any drag or overheating? Your feedback could really help others wondering about the same setup.