The Trailer Brake Question - Again

[dangerranger]

Im still looking at posibilitys, and another trip to the wrecking yard is in order. But it looks like I could adapt hydrolic brakes from a small cars rear axel. the trick so far is in finding a car with 4 on 4 bolt spacing. if not Ill just redrill the drum. If it works out Ill post a pic. DR

[Kharn]

Electric brake advantages:
No pulse effect
More comfortable
Controller adjustment can reduce trailer sway in real time or bias braking to the trailer to save TV brakes on long descents
Light weight, almost zero change in tongue weight
No hydraulic fluid to leak and ruin trailer paint or stain
Legal in all states
Common parts available locally

Electrical disadvantages :
Brakes are open if TV not equipped with controller
Hard to find 7-to-4 pin converter to tow with an alternate TV (if alternate TV does not have a 7 pin plug)

Surge brake advantages:
No modifications to TV
Works with any TV

Surge disadvantages:
Possibly illegal
Raises tongue weight significantly
Can't adjust braking power while moving
Hydraulic fluid eats paint
Very uncomfortable ride if it starts pulsing
Custom parts may require mail order

I do not see surge brakes as a worthwhile solution.

[bobhenry]

P.S. You also have to block out the surge unit if you are trying to back up uphill.

[eamarquardt]

Surge disadvantages:
Possibly illegal

http://www.trailermanufacturersassociat ... sues1.html

Surge Brakes
QUESTION:
Are surge brakes now legal?

ANSWER:
Yes. As of September 14, 2004, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sent a letter to all Field Administrators, National Enforcement Teams, and Division Administrators and State Directors to the effect that they should no longer ticket trailers with surge brakes. Of course this only applies to interstate commerce, but in general all the states go by these rules (for intrastate commerce) or they have adopted their own surge brake rules.

Also: http://www.texasrental.org/GovernmentAf ... rakes.aspx


I think you'd have a good case against the folks making and selling surge brakes if they weren't legal for hwy use and were not labeled as such.

Cheers,

Gus