Need help with Brake questions??

[RDJ]

I've read several posts on WC regarding the different kinds of brakes and certain aspects of each. My question is comming from some confusion about the different types. My understanding is that there are "Surge" brakes,brakes which work off hydrolics with the braking action being initated by forward momentum of the trailer against the ball which depresses an actuator which sends fluid to the brake system at the drums or discs. Then there are electrical fired brakes which work in tandem with your vehichle's brake system. Here is where I get confused, some of the posts I have read refer to having electrical problems with their "surge" brake system, not being able to back up while unplugged, etc. Is there a 3rd kind of brake which is a combination of the two. I'm new to trailers with brakes and mine are the simple hydrolic operated surge/pressure brakes on Shorelander trailers. My trailer does have a simple lever switch at the tongue to block the hydrolic action so you can back up with out activating the brakes but I did not think my electrical system had anything to do with my brake system. Please help in clarifying the difference for me. Sorry for the long winded post, It just grew as I typed.. thanks, RJ..

[Jose`]

I have a MFI trailer that has surge brakes and electric as you mentioned. It has the same operating principle as your trailer does with the lever-lock. Mine has an extra post on the plug (5 wire flat instead of 4) that connects to your reverse lights. When you put the truck in reverse the electric disengages the brakes so you can back up. Same principle as your trailer but I don't have to get out the truck to back up. Let me know if this doesn't help!

Jose`

[WestCoaster]

My Zieman trailer has a hydraulic surge brake master cylinder with disc brakes and a reverse lockout. A simple trailer with surge brakes will attempt to provide braking during backing up. When I first picked up my boat, I trailered it home with my standard four pole connector which had no provisions for the reverse lockout. The reverse lockout mitigates brake operation during the time you are backing up. I had loads of fun backing my boat uphill to it's parking spot. With the reverse lockout activated, the brakes don't apply and the parking is done quite easily. The lockout is typically activated by the reverse lamp circuit via one additional wire in the trailer connector plug. So, you'll notice that the typical looking four pole flat connector on some boats is actually a five pole flat. That "fifth" wire is for the reverse lockout. Well, that's the kind I have, and I'm not sure if there are other types. Hope that helps a little, and Good luck!