Surge Brakes Facts
Surge brakes are commonly found on trailers that are to be towed by an automobile. Surge brakes are hydraulic braking systems that operate without an electrical connection to the towing vehicle.
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Cylinder
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Trailers equipped with surge brakes have a master brake cylinder built in to the connector of the trailer. As the towing vehicle brakes, the trailer pushes against it, forcing fluid from the brake cylinder to the surge brakes, which then activate.
Reversing
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One major flaw with surge brakes on a trailer is the failure of the system to recognize when the towing vehicle is reversing. To solve the problem the trailer needs a brake-free mechanism or an electrical attachment to the reversing lights of the vehicle to free the braking system.
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Use
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Surge brakes are commonly used on boat trailers where electrical braking systems would not be practical in wet environments. In some states, surge brakes are not permitted for use on trailers carrying heavy equipment, such as construction equipment.
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