Trailer surge brake locking

Status
Not open for further replies.
R

Ron Mehringer

My H26 only gets trailered about 2 miles a year, from the ramp to the winter storage yard. However, each of the last two years the trailer wheel on the right side has locked up at the same point in the trip. It's the only section where the downhill is significant. But we were moving slowly and not braking too hard. Any advice on what to look for when trouble shooting. As is I wouldn't feel comfortable towing it for a long distance. Thanks Ron Mehringer s/v Hydro-Therapy
 
R

Ray Bowles

Ron, This is a question I'm sure I can nail.

We have a 95 H26 with a 95 Hunter trailer. These trailers came equiped with "jam brakes" and they are only installed on the front axle on my trailer. This type of brake system works by leverage applied to the trailer tongue when you apply the brakes on the towing vehicle. When you brake, the force of the trailer tries to push the back of the truck, and therefore the trailer tongue, down. This force and leverage activates the trailer brake master cylinder and brakes the trailer. Enough theory. Now the problem. Brakes that are not used for any period of time over about a week will build up rust deposits on the brake drums and on the surface of the brake shoes just from moisture in the air. Dipping the brakes in the water only adds to the problem. This can cause a brake to grab, pull or lock up until you drive enough miles to remove these deposits. Brake shoes can also almost "weld" themselves to the drums because of this. Deeper areas of concern are wheel cylinders that are corroded and frozen up but usually they will not release once they expand and the brake will remain seized. The absolute best thing to do is drive around 10 to 15 miles after pulling the boat to dry out the brakes and take a bigger "harder" trip with the trailer unloaded after launch. Your 2 mile trip is the worst thing that can be done. As long as your trailer wheel bearings are in good shape then the pull/seizing condition will likely go away after 5 to 10 miles of use. Any more than 10 miles and I would pull the drums and take a look. Ray S/V Speedy
 
T

Tim Paul

Any Other Advice

Thanks Ray for sharing your knowledge. Like Ron, I only trailer my '97 h26 a couple of miles each year. I haven't experienced a brake problem yet but I will heed your advice and take her for a mini-trip from now on. I've been meaning to post a question soliciting maintenance advice for us infrequent trailer users. Any other areas (tire pressures, lube, etc.)infrequent haulers like us should keep an eye on?
 
S

Steve

Pull em and inspect!

Lets assume your not in salt water? It would just make things a lot worse. Like the earlier post, you really need to pull the wheels and the brake drums and inspect. Likely they are rusty and need attention. A good brake cleaning with solvents and oiling of freezed items. If the cyclinders are defective, they will have to be replaced. Work the brakes to ensure operations. Run the trailer with out the boat for a 10 or 15 mile run with a few hard stops to ensure they work... after putting in and before taking out each season. While your at it, pull the bearings and re-pack.. this will be your next issue for sure.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Top Bottom