surge brakes

mainsheetmike · Post by **mainsheetmike** » Wed Jun 03, 2009 5:07 am

I have a question about the surge brakes on my trailer. When the boat and trailer was first hooked up, the movment on the tounge wasn't easy, now there is about 3" of play that can be moved by hand with the truck disconnected. Should it be that easy to move the tounge to activate the brakes? The brakes seem to work fine but there is a clunk when the brakes are applied withe the truck. Is this normal? thanks, Mike

CaptainScott · Post by **CaptainScott** » Wed Jun 03, 2009 8:17 am

I'm no expert on surge brakes but here is my take:

I have what appears to be a mini shock absorber on my tongue. This allows for a fairly soft transition from non braking to braking. I can not apply the tongue or surge brakes by hand. The shock aborber prevents that. However, when driving and braking there is a definite application of trailer brakes with little or no "clunk" as you describe.

That is in no way to say what you have is incorrect. Simply a description of my setup on one of my trailers.

Scott

IslandHopper · Post by **IslandHopper** » Wed Jun 03, 2009 9:21 am

I'm gonna say that your "shock absorber" (as described by Shark) is worn out... it was probably frozen in place at first, but after a load was applied it freed up and now has no damping effect... just 3 inches of free-play.
Find a truck and trailer accessory place and they'll probably have a replacement piston/shock for you.
You really don't want that un-damped play in the tongue. The abrupt application of trailer brakes that it causes could lead to wheel lock-up on the trailer.

mainsheetmike · Post by **mainsheetmike** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 4:55 am

Thanks for the help, i'll take it apart and see if a new shock can be purchased. Rigid hitch co. is a great place to get trailer parts, will see what they have to offer and let you know how it goes. thanks, MIke