H260 trailer surge brakes

[Bob Metz]

Does anyone know how to test/adjust the surge brakes on my new H260 trailer? First time moving the boat, I badly smoked my full size Bronco brakes trying to go down a long steep hill. I was in low gear and moving very slow. The brakes had fluid, but didn't seem to be working. Owner manual doesn't help. The system is made by Titan -- who I would also like to know how to contact.

 

[Ken Shubert]

Define SMOKE!

Did you do permanent damage to the brakes or just create a nasty smell? Surely you didn't get down to 2nd gear? What RPM? We pull a H23.5 on an old single axle trailer without surge brakes and haven't had any problem but overdrive is locked out a lot and sometimes 3rd gear is helpful, usually for braking. I really don't think the surge brakes will activate going down an incline unless you are going down 20 degrees or so. They're made for stopping and if you make them too sensitive, they'll activate far too often. If the surge brakes do activate, they'll smoke too but that'll be behind you and less smelly. Over using the brakes is a definite fire risk too. KenS/V Wouff Hong

 

[Rick Webb]

Gets Brakes Checked

Often on vehicles with front disks and rear drums, the rear drums get out of adjustment and it is difficult to know as the front disks do most of the stopping. This is particularly true on a truck that is driven predominantly empty. You may have needed the rear brakes and they were simply not there. As for the brakes on the trailer activate the surge brake and check to see if the wheel will spin. When I am alone without help or may as well be without help I use a ratcheting tie down to pull the surge brake back. If you are without the mechanical aptitude go get your brakes checked. Many places do it for free. I know that Sears and Midas do. When your brakes get that hot it can boil the brake fluid and render the brakes useless not a situation I would want to be in, especially with #6000 worth of boat, trailer, beer, and all of the other paraphernalia that go onto the boat behind me.

 

[Dave Condon]

brake check

IF you brake, you should be able to feel the brakes working on the trailer.I was not clear on your description but here are some helpful hints. First make sure you have fluid in the resivoir. YOu may have air in your lines and at this point they will need to be bleeded. There are also adjustment knobs on the back side of the hubs for adjusting the brakes. Better yet, jack up one side making sure you block the other wheels. Have someone engage the braking mechanism by hand or pushing on it ande see what happens of course with the wheel off to observe if brakes are working.Crazy Dave

 

[John Kendz]

Turn On Your Surge Breaks

I have a H26 trailer. On the tongue of the trailer there's a lever that disengages the brakes so that you can back up the trailer without locking up the brakes. If it is in the Backing Up Position the brakes will not work regardless of which direction your traveling. Check to see if such a lever exists on your trailer and be sure that it's in the correct position before towing.