Trailer Brakes
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Trailer Brakes
I haul a boat and trailer that weigh approx 5,000 lbs. What brakes do you guys think are better Hydraulic over electric or surge. My f350 has trailer hook up for hydraulic over electric but no switch in truck to turn on. The switch is aprox $200.00. The trailer has hydraulic over electric already on it so to switch to surge I have to buy a new tongue approx $200.00. I have to pick one or the other because I have no brakes when under way right now. I look forward to reading your comments. Thanks in advance
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Thanks... I have ordered controller and also the 4 aux switches that go beside it in the console of truck. Using one of the switches to run two backup lights installed under rear bumper. Any option ideas for the other three.
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Cutter47, you do realize that you need to install a new master cylinder and have the PCM reprogrammed to get the factory integrated controller to work right? It isn't just a plug and play controller like the aftermarket ones.
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Ford dealership had a look at truck and said he can have controller (for the trailer brakes) hooked up in a couple of hours.. that the auxilarty switches for the back up lights under the rear bumper. The truck goes in tomorrow, I'll let you know whats up in the afternoon
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From: Texas
I towed a trailer a few months ago that had surge brakes that actually worked. I couldn't believe it, but after that experience I actually believe it's theoretically possible to have a working surge brake set up. That was the first time, and probably the last, that I will ever think they are worth a darn. Basically I agree with Redford and they should be avoided at all costs.
As for Cutter47, welcome to FTE. Are you looking at electric brakes, or the actual electric over hydraulic models? If you're looking at electric over hydraulic make sure you get a compatible break controller. I've heard some of the electric brake boxes don't work on those kind of brakes.
As for Cutter47, welcome to FTE. Are you looking at electric brakes, or the actual electric over hydraulic models? If you're looking at electric over hydraulic make sure you get a compatible break controller. I've heard some of the electric brake boxes don't work on those kind of brakes.
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Truck is in the shop right now... I'll post when I pick it up.... hopefully I don't get the dreaded call from the stealership that it won' t work... (hands are under my chin in a praying position)
I have checked the brake away and it worked without the switch so we have power... just need electrical signal to trailer when under way...
I have checked the brake away and it worked without the switch so we have power... just need electrical signal to trailer when under way...
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I've towed more U-Haul 6x12 enclosed trailers and car trailers than I care to admit to. They all come with surge brakes. And believe me we load those suckers up.
I have to say that I think they work well, in this instance. Given that the typical U-Haul renter probably wouldn't have a brake controller, or know how to properly set it up, connect and adjust it, I think it's a good alternate solution.
Like I said, in that instant. No way would I ever own a trailer for myself with surge brakes. But I know how to set up, connect and adjust electric brakes.
I have to say that I think they work well, in this instance. Given that the typical U-Haul renter probably wouldn't have a brake controller, or know how to properly set it up, connect and adjust it, I think it's a good alternate solution.
Like I said, in that instant. No way would I ever own a trailer for myself with surge brakes. But I know how to set up, connect and adjust electric brakes.