Can Electric Over Hydraulic and Surge Brake Actuators Be Installed At the Same Time
Question:
I have a follow-on question to one posted about converting surge brakes to electric over hydraulic. I understand that leaving a surge coupler in place and locking it out is acceptable when converting to electric over hydraulic. What Id like to know is whether it can be tied into the braking system with a simple T-fitting see attached graphic so that, depending on whether the tow vehicle has an electric brake controller or not, the option to use surge brakes remains intact. In the case that the vehicle has an electric brake controller, one would lock out the surge coupler and use electric over hydraulic actuator with a 7-way connector. In the case that the vehicle has no brake controller, one would use the surge coupler as designed with a 7-way to 4-way adapter, if needed. This works in my mind, assuming all actuators, brakes and trailer weight are independently compatible. What do the experts say? I presume the lawyers and manufacturers would not recommend such a non-conventional installation, but my curiosity and desire for performance and flexibility compel me to ask.
asked by: Eric M
Expert Reply:
You ask a very interesting question!
You are correct that it is technically possible to have both a surge coupler and an EOH actuator connected simultaneously to the same hydraulic braking setup. You are also 100% correct that any manufacturer's risk management team would probably say no.
As I see it, the main concern is the lockout on the surge coupler. If you had an electric lockout on the coupler and if for any reason that solenoid or its power connection failed you would have both actuators pushing hydraulic pressure into the brakes. This would not be good since the braking force would potentially be excessive and might lead to wheels locking up and the trailer going into a skid. Even a manual lockout on the coupler makes me a bit nervous.
If you were to construct such a setup I would urge you to use a bolt through the surge coupler to immobilize it. This would avoid any potential risk of having two sources of braking pressure hitting the brakes. Yes, you would have to manually install and remove the through-bolt to switch between operating modes but you'd avoid the risk of multiple pressure sources simultaneously operating the brakes.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Kodiak Disc Brakes - 11" Rotor - 8 on 6-1/2 - Raw - Leaf Spring - 10K Dexter and Lippert
- Trailer Brakes
- Disc Brakes
- Standard Grade
- 8 on 6-1/2 Inch
- Rotor
- 10000 lbs Axle
- 16 Inch Wheel
- 16-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 17 Inch Wheel
- 17-1/2 Inch Wheel
- Kodiak
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David C.
7/27/2020
I have used two axles fitted with hydraulic surge, 10" drum brakes, along with a companion third (rear) axle equipped with electric brakes for tens of thousands of miles on my home made three (3500#) axle, flat bed trailer. It has worked extremely well, and i is very comforting to know that if I lose hydraulic surge raking pressure, I still have a little electric braking operating, and vice versa. I agree that the strongest brake style should be on the forward axle.