The System
A trailer surge brake system has single a scarce leading components. A choice trailer hitch, which applies or releases the brakes as needed (called an actuator), is attached to the point of the trailer's Language.The heavier the load growth towed on a trailer, the worthier the emphasis of having brakes installed on the trailer to helping hand the tow vehicle's routine and emergency stopping influence. Most states miss trailers capable of carrying loads over a firm string to be equipped with brakes, and most tandem (two-axle) trailers are rated for loads above those mandated by the control. Surge brakes are accepted with boaters on account of the brakes Testament occasionally be dunked under damp.
Brake lines jog from the actuator to the brake mechanism on the rear wheels of the trailer and the brakes, either drum-type or disk, attach to the turn hubs to utilize the stopping enforcement.
How They Work
Surge brakes profession similarly to the brakes on an van apart from the arm needed to employ the brakes comes from a colorful source. In a machine, your foot steps down on the brake pedal, which forces brake fluid on ice the lines to tighten the brake pads against the drum or rotor. With surge brakes, instead of your foot activating the brakes, the trailer applies the brakes. When the vehivle brakes are applied, the inertia of the trailer pushes forward on the actuator-hitch applying the clout to push the brake fluid from the actuator complete the brake lines to the brakes on the trailer wheels.
The harder you push your foot on the brakes, the exceeding competence goes to your brakes. The faster you endeavor to mark when pulling a trailer, the in a superior way the inertia pushes on the actuator delivering enhanced energy to the brakes.
Backing Up
This method works abundant going forward, on the other hand when you attempt to back up, the power of the tow vehicle in reverse pushes on the actuator and the trailer brakes apply. Trailer-brake systems can be manually disabled by inserting a pin in a lock-out mechanism that deactivates the actuator. Most brake systems have an electrical lock-out, extremely. The electric lock-out connects to the vehicle's back-up lights so when the vehicle is placed in reverse, the power from the back-up lights activate a solenoid that prevents the flow of brake fluid from the actuator to the trailer brakes.
Maintenance
Maintaining a trailer brake system is no different than maintaining a vehicle's brake system. Check the amount of fluid in the reservoir in the actuator periodically and annually inspect or have a trained mechanic inspect the brake pads or brake shoes for wear and replace as needed.
