Surge Coupler Equipped Trailer Brakes Occasionally Actuate When Backing Trailer
Question:
Hydraulic surge brakes. Sometimes the brakes lock up in reverse. But not every time.
asked by: Leroy P
Expert Reply:
When the brakes lock up, are you backing up a small hill or a rise? I'd be willing to bet you are.
It sounds like your surge coupler isn't equipped with a reverse lockout. A reverse lockout will prevent the coupler from compressing and actuating the brakes when you back the trailer. There are a couple possible solutions for this.
Depending on the surge coupler you have, it could be possible to install an electric lockout like part # T4748800 for Titan or Dico surge couplers or # DM11993 for Demco surge couplers.
A better solution would be to install free-backing brake assemblies like # 40716-15 for a 10 inch brake assembly on a 3500 lb axle or # AKFBBRK-7-D for a 12 inch assembly on a 5200, 6000 or 7000 lb axle. When you back a trailer with free-backing brakes you'll feel some initial resistance which will quickly disengage, allowing you to easily back the trailer.
From a long-term reliability standpoint, I'd recommend the free-backing brake option.
If you'd care to reply with the manufacturer and model number of your surge actuator and the capacity of your axles, I'd be happy to make some recommendations that are more specific.
Products Referenced in This Question
Demco Hydraulic Trailer Brakes - Free Backing - Galvanized - Left/Right - 10" - 3.5K
- Trailer Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- Marine 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
- Demco
more information >
Hydraulic Brake Kit - Uni-Servo - Free Backing - Dacromet - 12" - Left/Right Hand - 5.2K to 7K
- Trailer Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- Marine Grade
- Free Backing
- Manual Adjust
- Single Servo
- 12 x 2 Inch Drum
- 5200 lbs Axle
- 6000 lbs Axle
- 7000 lbs Axle
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- 16 Inch Wheel
- etrailer
more information >
Reverse Lockout Solenoid for Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuators - Non-Bypass
- Accessories and Parts
- Brake Actuator
- Disc Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- Solenoid
- Demco
more information >
Replacement Solenoid Valve for Dexter Brake Actuators with Reverse Lockouts
- Accessories and Parts
- Brake Actuator
- Disc Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- Solenoid
- Valve
- Dexter
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Pollak Replacement 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector Socket - Vehicle End
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Vehicle End Connector
- Plug Only
- 7 Round - Blade
- Pollak
more information >
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