Disc Brakes Do Not Appear To Be Working Properly On Tandem Boat Trailer With Surge Coupler

Question:

Hi, I have a 2010 dual axle ez loader with kodiac disc brakes. It carries a 21foot triumph center console ocean boat. If I recall correctly the mechanical actuator in the past would never completely compress. Reverse was impossible without the release or shim being used. A tap on the brakes on the hiway would cause the trailer to slow the truck down. 3 years in and out of the salt water caused some lines to go. I replaced and bled and have never had the brakes as good as they were. If I chock a trailer tire and back up, I can easily compress the master cylinder piston all the way so it bottoms out. I should not be able to do that correct? I feel that there is air in there but I want to confirm that this bottoming out shouldnt happen ever in an effort to minimize variables. Ive brought the trailer to a number of expertsinch and theyve told me Im all set and then I hook it up and back it across their parking lot. piston bottomed out and brakes on, but not very hard, and the wheels turn while backing. No skidding. Expertsinch have never made it any better than Ive done for myself. Please advise. Thanks.

asked by: Cliff

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you have been testing this system quite a lot. There are several steps you can follow to trace where the problem is.

First, you did not say if this is a new brake system with disc brakes and was upgraded from drum brakes. If that is the case, the actuator should have been upgraded as well. The disc brakes require a higher amount of pressure to work than the drum brakes. If you have a disc brake actuator you can move on.

Next, check the calipers, and rotors for signs of wear. You would need to replace as needed. You said you chocked the wheels and was able to bottom out the cylinder piston. If you are using a truck or vehicle to get the brakes to work you can expect to bottom it out. If you bled the brakes, that is one way you can check for air leaks. You should see a steady stream of fluid when compressing the coupler. If it is not steady or maybe a trickle, there may be some blockage in the brake line.

I have attached a helpful article that explains how to add hydraulic disc brakes to a trailer you can check out. It also lists all the items you need.

If you find you do not have an actuator designed for disc brakes, let me know what the model number is of the system you have and I will be glad to make a recommendation that will work for you.

If you find you want to replace the coupler altogether, you can take a look at the attached link to the surge couplers we offer.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L