Trailer Brake??
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 797
Likes: 0
From: Wickenburg, AZ
Surge brakes do not require you to set any levels on a brake controller, do not experience any wiring problems, and for boats you don't have to worry about shorting out in the water. That and, obvoiusly you don't have to buy the brake controller or wire anything up (although on a modern truck this is easy).
As a downside, you cannot activate the trailer brakes from inside the vehicle in the case of an emergency or to put a stop to any swaying on downhills. Backing up can be a problem, particularly if it is on a hill or if the brakes do not have a reverse lockout.
As a downside, you cannot activate the trailer brakes from inside the vehicle in the case of an emergency or to put a stop to any swaying on downhills. Backing up can be a problem, particularly if it is on a hill or if the brakes do not have a reverse lockout.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Pennsylvania
Can surge brakes be converted to electric brake or is it better to just stay with surge. This is a 10,000 GVW flat bed trailer that I am going to use my '64 F350 4x4 to pull it with. Will I have any problems with this setup.
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: Garden Grove, CA.
I would make sure the trailer has brakes on all axles, electric. Surge are ok with a ski boat, but having had both, I like electric hands down. If the brakes on your 64 1 ton are anyhing like a 65 1/2 ton, you will need all the brakesyou can get.
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,209
Likes: 0
From: Lake Havasu City AZ
You can buy electric brake kits at http://www.fultonperformance.com/subgroups.php?group=3 - should be an easy swap 'cause you've already got brake flanges on your trailer axles. Electrics eliminate problems with leaking actuators, lines and wheel cylinders. Surge actuators require the trailer to be as level as possible, to eliminate binding. Shorting out in water won't be a problem (boat trailers should be unplugged before dunking anyway).
Surge brake systems can be unnerving, with the clanking/banging during starts and stops. If you tow the trailer fully loaded on long, steep downgrades you could find yourself at the bottom with smoked trailer brakes.
Are you going to use the trailer constantly, or a couple of times a year?
You might want to check with a good hitch shop to see what's involved with putting a controller in your 350.
Like Cowboy said, being able to apply the trailer brakes from inside the cab to stop swaying is a BIG plus for electrics. I've used both types and much prefer electrics.
Steve
Surge brake systems can be unnerving, with the clanking/banging during starts and stops. If you tow the trailer fully loaded on long, steep downgrades you could find yourself at the bottom with smoked trailer brakes.
Are you going to use the trailer constantly, or a couple of times a year?
You might want to check with a good hitch shop to see what's involved with putting a controller in your 350.
Like Cowboy said, being able to apply the trailer brakes from inside the cab to stop swaying is a BIG plus for electrics. I've used both types and much prefer electrics.
Steve
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Pennsylvania
I am going to use the trailer maybe once maybe twice a month. I am thinking of holding out for a trailer with electric brakes that way both of my trailer will have the same setup.
Thanks for the help and the input.
Thanks for the help and the input.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas NV
oldfords4ever
You will be much better off with the electric so waiting is a good choice.
Ron W
You will be much better off with the electric so waiting is a good choice.
Ron W
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