Boat Trailer - Slack @ take off

[wakekat]

Can anyone point me in the right direction to fix slack in the trailer at take off? Just got a new master cylinder/brakes, but still have the issue. It's a tandem axle Dorsey trailer w/electric brakes.[/img]

[DWhitt]

RE: Boat Trailer - Slack @ take off

If they're surge brakes then that's just the way things are. You said they're electric but are they really? Most are surge brakes with an electric solenoid that disengages them when you put the tow vehicle in reverse. If they are surge brakes then you just have to get in the habit of taking the slack out after you stop. What I do is come to a complete stop and then gently let off the brake a little so that I roll forward a few inches and then very gently stop again. That or when you take off just start very gently until you feel the clunk. Do you have a picture of the tongue of the trailer? That would tell us more.

[NautiqueJeff]

RE: Boat Trailer - Slack @ take off

DWhitt posted exactly what I was going to write. He hit the nail on the head.

[AirTool]

RE: Boat Trailer - Slack @ take off

We all have the same problem. I was thinking about changing receiver adapters to one of those with the rubber "innerds" (?) to soften the blow.

Anyone use one of these? ...any problems?

http://www.etrailer.com/c-BM2C.htm

AirTool

[wakekat]

Definitely electric according to manufacturer....trailer won't back without the 5 way plugged in though. It's a new problem....didn't happen for 2 years and now it's terrible. New suggestions? PS I will take a pic of the set up at tongue and post shortly.

[wakekat]

The view from the top....haven't noticed that before.

[wakekat]

View of top

[wakekat]

From starboard side

[Madhat78]

If it's a 5-way plug then you have the surge brakes with the electric solenoid in it. The electric solenoid is used when you put your vehicle in reverse, the solenoid dis engages you brakes so you can back the trailer up hill so that the chamber doesn't compress in and lock up your brakes on you. If it was true electric brakes then you would have the 7- round harness with a brake box mounted in your truck or towing vehicle. Pretty much all surge brakes are going to give you that "Slack"

[NautiqueJeff]

Agreed. Sounds to me like your trailer is doing exactly what it is supposed to do.

[wakekat]

While I think it's very odd that I haven't experienced this for two years, I do appreciate the feedback! Thanks, Guys!!!!

[AirTool]

Do you have disc brakes or drum brakes?

Also note, I have a 5-plug harness w/drum brakes....the fifth wire is there but not connected. I don't think the drum systems have the solenoids...just the disc systems. Others can tell what the have in necessry.

Both the of surge systems I've towed have banged on restarts after heavy breaking.

AirTool

[jmo]

Hi, two thoughts for you:

1
Some hydraulic brake actuators intentionally generate pulsation or knocking when the brake fluid level is getting low to tell the driver to top it off, so might want to double check and make sure its full.

2
Looking at the picture you included on how your actuator attaches to the ball, it appears that the actuator is coming in on an upward angle (maybe its not in reality) and if that is the case this will exaggerate the knocking you feel as its pushing the ball and hence your rear end up. This can also compromise the handling/safety of your rig under hard braking conditions.

HTH's,

jmo

[FLCERIK]

If you did not have this issue for the last 2 years then something has changed, the "clink" should be very minimal. I would think your fluid level is low. If that is not the case you may need to replace the plunger unit in the tounge. Can you move the surge unit by hand?

[wakekat]

Disc brakes. The fluid level is fine, however...I did let it get low prior to getting a new master cylinder. New master cylinder & fluid level fine now. I can move the surge unit by hand. I'll check into the plunger unit in the tongue. Appreciate all of the feedback.