Surge Brake ?

[can't log on Mueller]

I have a 2800# EZ Loader trailer with Atwood surge brakes that came with my boat new in 2004. I really don't know if the brakes have ever worked based upon anytime I back up I have never had to use the brake disconnect lever. I can hook the trailer with my tractor or truck and back up and the brakes do not actuate. I was recently told that "all surge brakes must have the brakes disconnected by the lever before backing up." If there is something wrong what do you adjust to regain brake use?

Thanks
Mueller

[Phil T]

Drum brakes back up just fine, it's disc brakes that have to be locked out.

[perchjerker]

depends.

some drum brakes have what are called free backing shoes that dont need a lockout lever

but not all are made this way. I have had trailers that had both types

if you are driving forwaard and hit the brakes firmly, you should feel the trailer brakes applying. If you dont they need servicing

[R Joosten]

I think your brakes are not working . I have the same trailer a 2005 . When you go to back up on the truck your back up lights on your truck disengage your trailer brakes. So when ever you have your trailer wire harness not hooked up, your trailer should lock up unless you put the pin in.

[can't log on Mueller]

There are no wires going to the trailer...it is strictly surge.

[R Joosten]

The wire that controls the brakes is blue and its with the light harness. Do you have a Flat plug or a round plug on the truck ? If you have a flat plug it should be a 5 way not a 4 way. If it is a 4 way on the truck you need to change it with a 5 way plug, with the blue wire going to a back up light on the truck.

[FisHn2DMax]

If you have a atwood surge brake actuator, it's easy enough to test if the brakes are working. On the other end of the break-away cable that hooks to the tow vehicle, the cable should be hooked to lever. Using a pipe or something to gain some leverage pull the lever back and the brakes should be locked. If not, then you have a problem.

If you have drum brakes, the majority of them will back up just fine, so this is not a good way to tell if the forward braking is working.

[stiker]

I have the same type Surge brakes on my trailer and while out the time I noticed a vibrating sensation when hiting the brakes hard while tring to stop. I adjusted the the brakes before my last trip not sure if the I adjusted the brakes to much can someone explain why I'm getting this vibrating in the brakes. Thanks in advance guys.

[stiker]

I should also add that before that I changed 2 wheel cylinders on the trailer and bleed the system.

[FisHn2DMax]

So as not to hi-jack the orginal poster's (OP) issue, please re-post your question on vibration on a seperate post and I'm sure you'll gain some possible answers.

[stiker]

I'm sorry guys did not mean to be rude . I will post on a new thread.

[1800]

Just jack up 1 side of the trailer , remove the ball insert off the truck and couple it to the trailer and push down on the insert/2inch tube . That sould put the brake on if there working .