Operating Guide
34
4.3.5.3 teSt Surge BrakeS
Hydraulic surge actuator systems provide automatic
and smooth trailer braking without special application
by the tow vehicle driver. While this is extremely
convenient it can sometimes be difcult to determine
if the surge setup is functioning properly. The following
steps provide a quick eld-test to conrm that the trailer
brake system is operational.
^ WARNING
The eld-test procedure indicates only if
the trailer brake system is functional, but
DOES NOT provide information on how
efciently it will operate.
Regular inspection, maintenance,
and adjustment of all brake system
components (including the surge actuator,
tubing, hoses, brake clusters, drums, and
associated hardware/support structure)
are still required to ensure maximum brake
performance and smooth, even brake
operation.
Move the trailer to at, level ground, pulling FORWARD
several feet before parking. This forward motion will
ensure trailers equipped with free-backing brakes are
in their normal operating mode. Disconnect the trailer
from the tow vehicle and jack up the trailer’s tongue
until it is horizontal. Hook the trailer’s safety chains
(NOT the actuator’s breakaway cable) together to form
a loop, which is centered below the actuator’s coupler.
Place wheel chock blocks two feet behind the trailer to
prevent a runaway trailer.
Place a sturdy board, such as a 2 inch by 4 inch piece
of lumber, into the chain loop below the coupler. The
board should be 4 feet or longer so it will extend
several feet above the actuator. Keep the end of the
board a few inches off the ground, and position it to
press against the front end of the actuator’s coupler.
Press the board towards the rear of the trailer.
Keep pressing the top of the board to stroke the
actuator and its internal master cylinder. If the trailer
brake system is operational, the brakes will apply and
keep the trailer from rolling away from you. Properly
adjusted uni-servo or duo-servo type brakes will
prevent you from moving the trailer back more than
a few inches. Free-backing type brakes will initially
provide rolling resistance, but continued force on the
board will switch them into free-backing mode, and
you’ll be able to move the trailer backwards.
If you have uni-servo or duo-servo brakes, and stroking
the actuator (as described above) causes the trailer to
roll away from you freely or with only minimal resistance,
the brakes are NOT applying properly. If you have free-
backing brakes and stroking the actuator (as described
above) causes the trailer to roll away without initial
resistance, then the brakes are NOT applying properly.
The brake system MUST be evaluated to determine
the cause of the problem and corrective action MUST
be taken before the trailer is used. Use this procedure
each time you tow your trailer to check your surge
brake system operation.
4.3.5.4 teSt Surge Breakaway SyStem
Before towing, check that the breakaway lever and
lanyard are properly positioned. If the breakaway lever
and lanyard are not located correctly due to either the
lanyard being pulled during use or by accident, it MUST
be reset prior to the trailer being moved.
See the Surge Brake Actuator manual for the correct
resetting and testing procedure.
^ WARNING
The breakaway system is designed to
operate if the trailer separates from the tow
vehicle.
DO NOT use the breakaway system as a
parking brake.
4.4 uncouple traIler
Follow these steps to uncouple trailer from the tow
vehicle:
1. Park the trailer on a rm level surface and block
trailer tires.
2. Disconnect electrical connector.
3. Disconnect breakaway brake switch lanyard.
4. Disconnect safety chains from tow vehicle.
5. Unlock the coupler and open it.
6. Before extending jack, make certain the ground
surface below the jack pad will support the tongue
load.
7. Rotate jack handle to extend the jack and transfer
the weight of the trailer tongue to the jack.
8. Raise the trailer coupler above the tow vehicle
hitch.
9. Drive tow vehicle forward.
Coupling To Tow Vehicle