Jerky surge brakes.

[Oldtractorfixer]

I just got a new to me 14K bumper pull equipment trailer. It is a "Best" trailer previously owned by Sunbelt rental. Dexter axles and surge brakes. I haven't pulled a surge brake trailer in a number of years but this is the jerkiest thing. You pull away and the hitch extends and bang then off you go. You step on the brakes gently then a little harder, then bang the hitch finally contracts enough and the brakes come on as they should. How do I adjust this out? It seems like the hitch has too much travel before the brakes work.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I just got a new to me 14K bumper pull equipment trailer. It is a "Best" trailer previously owned by Sunbelt rental. Dexter axles and surge brakes. I haven't pulled a surge brake trailer in a number of years but this is the jerkiest thing. You pull away and the hitch extends and bang then off you go. You step on the brakes gently then a little harder, then bang the hitch finally contracts enough and the brakes come on as they should. How do I adjust this out? It seems like the hitch has too much travel before the brakes work.

The coupler/tongue is worn out. If rebuilding kits are available do that. If not I would convert it to electric brakes. It will cost about $500 for the backing plates, wiring, brake away, and new coupler. It will cost a little more than a new surge brake coupler but then you are done with it.

Chris

 

[Oldtractorfixer]

It's a Titon model 20 actuator. Are you talking about the rollers being worn or some part of the pushrod assembly or somewhere else? I see rollers are available.

 

[Diamondpilot]

It's a Titon model 20 actuator. Are you talking about the rollers being worn or some part of the pushrod assembly or somewhere else? I see rollers are available.

I would have to look at its parts list but I would change the master cylinder and dampers if it has them. They are little strut like units.

Good news is that Titon 20 unit is very popular and parts should be easy to find.

Chris

 

[JerryK]

I was facing a simular situation, and just converted to electrics. You can get the Dexter type backing plates from lots of places fairly cheap [ I got all my stuff from Etrailer dot com Trailer hitch, hitches and bike rack (800)298-8924 ] and still use your old drums. Does not take too long to swap everything out, but I took the time to pull the deck and do some extra work on her at that time. I put the deck back on and put a PVC electrical conduit down the center of the deck to protect all the wiring, in between the deck boards...

 

[kenmac]

I have surge on my dump trailer. I hate them. Braking isn't near as good as elec. I going to change over.I can feel my elec brakes on my 20 ft flat bed. I can't feel the surge brakes working and they are adjusted

 

[Diamondpilot]

I have surge on my dump trailer. I hate them. Braking isn't near as good as elec. I going to change over.I can feel my elec brakes on my 20 ft flat bed. I can't feel the surge brakes working and they are adjusted

Put disc brakes on and you will have two to three times the braking compared to drums of any kind. I have them on my 18,000# and 12,000# trailers. I have drums on my 7,000# car hauler.

Chris

 

[kenmac]

Put disc brakes on and you will have two to three times the braking compared to drums of any kind. I have them on my 18,000# and 12,000# trailers. I have drums on my 7,000# car hauler.

Chris

Iwould like to,but it would cost alot more for disc than just add elec

 

[Diamondpilot]

Iwould like to,but it would cost alot more for disc than just add elec

Not really. I get kits for 6K axles for $185 per axle.

Chris

 

[Travelover]

Best place I've seen for electric brakes is Eastern marine. Electric Trailer Brake Assemblies at Trailer Parts Superstore

 

[kenmac]

Best place I've seen for electric brakes is Eastern marine. Electric Trailer Brake Assemblies at Trailer Parts Superstore

appears cheap enough to change to elec. Looking at their site. never adjust assy for 7 K axles is at $60.00 per axle. I'll check with my guy and see what his prices are..He gave (what I thought) was a good price on my flat bed trailer axles. I'll have to check to see if I have the flanges on the axles to bolt the assy. to

 

[Travelover]

appears cheap enough to change to elec. Looking at their site. never adjust assy for 7 K axles is at $60.00 per axle. I'll check with my guy and see what his prices are..He gave (what I thought) was a good price on my flat bed trailer axles. I'll have to check to see if I have the flanges on the axles to bolt the assy. to

I think for 7K axle it is $60 per side

 

[Diamondpilot]

I think for 7K axle it is $60 per side

Right. So, $140 per axle plus about $120 for wiring, brake-away, battey, plug, ect. So $400 in round numbers.

Chris

 

[kenmac]

Right. So, $140 per axle plus about $120 for wiring, brake-away, battey, plug, ect. So $400 in round numbers.

Chris

I already have the plug. I can get the wiring for less than $120.00.unless I'm reading it wrong , it's $60.00 per axle not 140.00 per axle.$60.00 x 4 = $240.00 for 4 which will do 2 axles I'm going to call my parts man and get a price

 

[JerryK]

The 'self adjust' backing plate kits is what I went with. I also cut the old hyd coupler off and welded on a new coupler on the tongue.. Some people keep the old hyd unit and just weld it so it won't slide for/aft like it used to when you had hyd brakes.

 

[Renze]

with bowden cables, or hydraulic ?

bowden cable surge brakes are adjusted like the park brake shoes (inside the brake disks) on my Volvo, a ratchet expander. Then adjust cable slack, if still jerky, most likely the shock absorber (kind of gas strut) is busted.

 

[kenmac]

Some people keep the old hyd unit and just weld it so it won't slide for/aft like it used to when you had hyd brakes.

that's what I intend to do

 

[aczlan]

with bowden cables, or hydraulic ?

Bowden cable brakes are very uncommon (nonexistent?) around here outside of parking brakes.

Aaron Z

 

[Diamondpilot]

I already have the plug. I can get the wiring for less than $120.00.unless I'm reading it wrong , it's $60.00 per axle not 140.00 per axle.$60.00 x 4 = $240.00 for 4 which will do 2 axles I'm going to call my parts man and get a price

It will be $60 per tire, not axle. You will need a brake-away, battery, ect. Reason for the $120 for wiring.

Chris

 

[Renze]

with bowden cables, or hydraulic ?

bowden cable surge brakes are adjusted like the park brake shoes (inside the brake disks) on my Volvo, a ratchet expander. Then adjust cable slack, if still jerky, most likely the shock absorber (kind of gas strut) is busted.

Forgot to say, this shock absorber is inside the sliding hitch tube.