Trailer Surge vs Brake Controller

Scrounger · May 1, 2009

I have a tandem axle trailer and currently use it with a brake controller. I'm wondering if I could convert it to a surge brake set up like the UHaul trailers so I can tow it with other trucks that dont have a brake controller installed.

Is their a weight limit for surge brakes? The trailer is rated at 7000# also.

Reg · May 1, 2009

Scrounger said:
I have a tandem axle trailer and currently use it with a brake controller. I'm wondering if I could convert it to a surge brake set up like the UHaul trailers so I can tow it with other trucks that dont have a brake controller installed.

Is their a weight limit for surge brakes? The trailer is rated at 7000# also.

I honestly don't know, but I think there might be a legal issue.

Even if they are legit you might have registration problems if the work isn't done by someone who can legitimately re-certify it.
I'm assuming that the type of braking system is recorded on the registration, but this is something you should check into at your PennDot office.

wkpoor · May 1, 2009

If the trailer doesn't have a title I doubt there would be any legal issues with it. I personally like surge and they will work well if properly maintained and adjusted for the weight you will be carrying. My boat trailer is surge and they work very well.

johnk · May 1, 2009

I think all boat trailers have surge brakes because of the fact they are backed under water. Not too good a thing with electric brakes. I'd prefer electric over surge for regular trailers for the fact they have finer adjustment of how you want them to grab.

irwin · May 1, 2009

I like my electric brakes..more control over the braking action.

ultrarunner · May 1, 2009

I saw one trailer a while back that had one axle surge and one axle electric...

wkpoor · May 1, 2009

I think all boat trailers have surge brakes because of the fact they are backed under water. Not too good a thing with electric brakes. I'd prefer electric over surge for regular trailers for the fact they have finer adjustment of how you want them to grab.

Unless you have something like the max brake or its equivalent the surge will give you more brake over a wider range. Example being you set your electric controller for a comfortable effective gain but if you have a panic stop you may not have enough. The surge will try to bring you down as fast as what your giving the tow vehicle. Most people don't realize they can change or adjust the master cylinder spring for the trailer weight to make the surge sensitive.

Diamondpilot · May 1, 2009

We see some electric brakes making the way to the marine trailers. Not very many but they are showing up on heavier boats, 15,000# and more to aid in backing down the ramp, one thing surge brakes are not good at.

If you are serious about switching from Electric to Surge plan on spending some money. It will run you $750 to $1000 dollars for a tandem axle trailer by the time you buy all the lines, backing plates, drums or disc, calipers if you go the disc brake route, back up solenoid, and then convert the tongue to a surge coupler. Not going to be cheap. Would be cheaper to put 10 $60 WalMart controllers in all your tow rigs.

Chris

Bird · May 2, 2009

Is their a weight limit for surge brakes?

I don't know about other states, but in Texas, Section 547.402, 3, c of the Transportation Code says surge brakes may be used on trailers that weigh 15,000 pounds or less, so I don't think we have to worry about it.