trailer brakes

[kenmac]

Ditto on what Egon said...

Here's your reference for the Dexter Disk Brakes...

Dexter Axle - Trailer Axles and Running Gear Components - 8K Disc Brake

Those disc from dexter are what I 'am looking to add to my other axle , but like has been said thay are hyd.not electric. I haven't seen electric disc brakes

 

[Rara Avis]

Those disc from dexter are what I 'am looking to add to my other axle , but like has been said thay are hyd.not electric. I haven't seen electric disc brakes

Here are the ACTUATORS...

Trailer Parts Superstore - Recreational & Commercial Trailer Parts Dealer Since 1981

 

[john_bud]

Whoa! Stop and think about how surge brakes and electric brakes work for a minute before you go off and spend your $$.

Electric brakes get a signal from the brake controller and apply a variable amount of current to the electro magnets. The amount of current, the rate of current application and the delay from getting the initiation signal (brake light) is adjustable. The amount of current is also variable based on the rate of decelleration.

Surge brakes have a sliding actuator in the coupler that moves relative to the trailer. When the truck slows, the trailer pushes forward and actuates the hydraulics. This action is usually fast.

Think for a minute, you hit the brakes, the trailer slides forward and applies the surge brakes, then the electric brakes come on. The trailer slows more and the surge brakes go off. The electrics can't keep slowing you alone and the trailer slides forward -> applying the surge brakes again. My guess is that the trailer would be bucking like a bronc and the tires would be alternately locked up and doing next to nothing. The trailer wouldn't give you a smooth controlled stop and the electrics will probably wear fast, still.

Either add a second set of electrics (cheap) or add a full set of hydraulics. But, in my opinion, don't mix and match.


Could be wrong, but that's my opinion.

jb

 

[machmeter62]

I have a 17 ft dual axle trailer that has electric brakes on 1 axle. I'am thinking of adding hyd. surge disc brakes to the other axle. Anyone tried this ?? Think it will work ?? I'am always having to adjust my brake shoes on the electric brakes. I won't have to adjust the hyd. disc. Materials will cost $600.00 to add the disc

The disadvantages of surge brakes. I have a tandem axle with disc/surge brakes on both axles. A condition sometimes where they are too sensitive, is an incline where the trailer is slightly pushing the vehicle, that causes the surge brakes to apply minimum braking; over several miles or more! I had this problem returning from a boating trip, and when I unhooked the trailer I noticed the hubs and tires wet with grease from extended braking action? I assume this is the problem, but haven't checked the surge cylinder for proper operation either? The trailer wasn't overloaded, and there is no adjustments that I am aware of, for the amount of braking of the trailer?

 

[SnowRidge]

Whoa! Stop and think about how surge brakes and electric brakes work for a minute before you go off and spend your $$.

Electric brakes get a signal from the brake controller and apply a variable amount of current to the electro magnets. The amount of current, the rate of current application and the delay from getting the initiation signal (brake light) is adjustable. The amount of current is also variable based on the rate of decelleration.

Surge brakes have a sliding actuator in the coupler that moves relative to the trailer. When the truck slows, the trailer pushes forward and actuates the hydraulics. This action is usually fast.

Think for a minute, you hit the brakes, the trailer slides forward and applies the surge brakes, then the electric brakes come on. The trailer slows more and the surge brakes go off. The electrics can't keep slowing you alone and the trailer slides forward -> applying the surge brakes again. My guess is that the trailer would be bucking like a bronc and the tires would be alternately locked up and doing next to nothing. The trailer wouldn't give you a smooth controlled stop and the electrics will probably wear fast, still.

Either add a second set of electrics (cheap) or add a full set of hydraulics. But, in my opinion, don't mix and match.


Could be wrong, but that's my opinion.

jb

I think that could or would happen, depending on the controller setting. However, if the controller was a Prodigy, or one like it, with the boost feature enabled, the scenario would be different.

The boost feature applies the brakes upon brake light activation, which will cause the trailer brakes to lead the vehicle brakes. Properly adjusted, the trailer would brake primarily on the electric axle. The surge axle would only brake in heavy braking situations.

I'm not saying this is a good idea, but I think it could be adjusted to be workable, though I wouldn't do it myself.

 

[john_bud]

Snowridge,

You may be right and it would be an "interesting" thing to do, but the chances of it working smoothly without a lot of fiddle diddling around are pretty slim. Also, if you have the controller set to actuate early (boost) the electric brakes would wear out even faster. Brake wear was his inital complaint, so that would take away from his solution even if it worked smoothly.

I think we both agree - this ain't the optimum solution !

jb

 

[SnowRidge]

John, in normal use, Boost doesn't cause any added brake wear. It just causes the trailer brakes to be lightly applied just slightly ahead of the vehicle brakes. This helps smooth braking considerably, in my experience.

However, people who can't keep their cotton pickin' foot of the brake pedal when it doesn't need to be there shouldn't use it.

 

[Lynkage]

I would as some others have said just put electric on the second axle and be done with it. Having elec over hyd just adds another component to mess with. elec brakes are very reliable or they would not be still using them. My 10 ton heavy equipment hauler has tandem Dexter duals with elec brakes and they work very well. I would save your money for more implements.
JMO

 

[Renze]

Surge brakes have a sliding actuator in the coupler that moves relative to the trailer. When the truck slows, the trailer pushes forward and actuates the hydraulics. This action is usually fast.

Think for a minute, you hit the brakes, the trailer slides forward and applies the surge brakes, then the electric brakes come on. The trailer slows more and the surge brakes go off. The electrics can't keep slowing you alone and the trailer slides forward -> applying the surge brakes again. My guess is that the trailer would be bucking like a bronc and the tires would be alternately locked up and doing next to nothing. The trailer wouldn't give you a smooth controlled stop and the electrics will probably wear fast, still.

Normally an overrun coupler head for a surge brake has a shock absorber to make it work smooth.

Hydraulic surge brakes are quite expensive, over here in Holland. However they are far more reliable than cable operated surge brakes, or electric brakes. In Holland, electric brakes are allowed but not accepted by the motoring public.


But i agree, its either full electric, or full surge brakes. hydraulic surge brakes AND electric brakes on the same trailer are a funny cocktail which i wouldnt bet my money on.

 

[kenmac]

I think that could or would happen, depending on the controller setting. However, if the controller was a Prodigy, or one like it, with the boost feature enabled, the scenario would be different.

The boost feature applies the brakes upon brake light activation, which will cause the trailer brakes to lead the vehicle brakes. Properly adjusted, the trailer would brake primarily on the electric axle. The surge axle would only brake in heavy braking situations.

I'm not saying this is a good idea, but I think it could be adjusted to be workable, though I wouldn't do it myself.

My current controller has a slide to adjust gain . More gain more braking . Lower gain less braking . I probably could adjust the gain so the 2 could work together. Or , less electric braking ( less gain) until need more braking power then more gain. I've got to buy these as a christmas gift for my wife so I can see how it will work out