Jerky surge brakes.

Oldtractorfixer · Jan 13, 2013

I just got a new to me 14K bumper pull equipment trailer. It is a "Best" trailer previously owned by Sunbelt rental. Dexter axles and surge brakes. I haven't pulled a surge brake trailer in a number of years but this is the jerkiest thing. You pull away and the hitch extends and bang then off you go. You step on the brakes gently then a little harder, then bang the hitch finally contracts enough and the brakes come on as they should. How do I adjust this out? It seems like the hitch has too much travel before the brakes work.

Diamondpilot · Jan 13, 2013

Oldtractorfixer said:
I just got a new to me 14K bumper pull equipment trailer. It is a "Best" trailer previously owned by Sunbelt rental. Dexter axles and surge brakes. I haven't pulled a surge brake trailer in a number of years but this is the jerkiest thing. You pull away and the hitch extends and bang then off you go. You step on the brakes gently then a little harder, then bang the hitch finally contracts enough and the brakes come on as they should. How do I adjust this out? It seems like the hitch has too much travel before the brakes work.

The coupler/tongue is worn out. If rebuilding kits are available do that. If not I would convert it to electric brakes. It will cost about $500 for the backing plates, wiring, brake away, and new coupler. It will cost a little more than a new surge brake coupler but then you are done with it.

Chris

Oldtractorfixer · Jan 13, 2013

It's a Titon model 20 actuator. Are you talking about the rollers being worn or some part of the pushrod assembly or somewhere else? I see rollers are available.

Diamondpilot · Jan 14, 2013

Oldtractorfixer said:
It's a Titon model 20 actuator. Are you talking about the rollers being worn or some part of the pushrod assembly or somewhere else? I see rollers are available.

I would have to look at its parts list but I would change the master cylinder and dampers if it has them. They are little strut like units.

Good news is that Titon 20 unit is very popular and parts should be easy to find.

Chris

JerryK · Jan 14, 2013

I was facing a simular situation, and just converted to electrics. You can get the Dexter type backing plates from lots of places fairly cheap [ I got all my stuff from Etrailer dot com Trailer hitch, hitches and bike rack (800)298-8924 ] and still use your old drums. Does not take too long to swap everything out, but I took the time to pull the deck and do some extra work on her at that time. I put the deck back on and put a PVC electrical conduit down the center of the deck to protect all the wiring, in between the deck boards...

kenmac · Jan 14, 2013

I have surge on my dump trailer. I hate them. Braking isn't near as good as elec. I going to change over.I can feel my elec brakes on my 20 ft flat bed. I can't feel the surge brakes working and they are adjusted

Diamondpilot · Jan 14, 2013

kenmac said:
I have surge on my dump trailer. I hate them. Braking isn't near as good as elec. I going to change over.I can feel my elec brakes on my 20 ft flat bed. I can't feel the surge brakes working and they are adjusted

Put disc brakes on and you will have two to three times the braking compared to drums of any kind. I have them on my 18,000# and 12,000# trailers. I have drums on my 7,000# car hauler.

Chris

kenmac · Jan 14, 2013

Diamondpilot said:
Put disc brakes on and you will have two to three times the braking compared to drums of any kind. I have them on my 18,000# and 12,000# trailers. I have drums on my 7,000# car hauler.

Chris

Iwould like to,but it would cost alot more for disc than just add elec