Ram Lin Trailer Brakes

[Wave City Roller]

I'm a new owner of a 230 and get a strong feeling that my Ram Lin trailer brakes are not working as they should and possibly not at all. Had to brake hard the other day with my 2007 Suburban and locked up the brakes on the truck. Has anyone else had any experience with Ram Lin trailer brakes? No boat dealer close by, can an automotive tire and brake store be worth a try?

[AirTool]

I'm a new owner of a 230 and get a strong feeling that my Ram Lin trailer brakes are not working as they should and possibly not at all. Had to brake hard the other day with my 2007 Suburban and locked up the brakes on the truck. Has anyone else had any experience with Ram Lin trailer brakes? No boat dealer close by, can an automotive tire and brake store be worth a try?

What kind of brakes are they? electric or hydraulic?

A big RV center can help for sure.

[Wave City Roller]

Ram Lin Trailer brakes

Im guessing hydraulic, Sorry for being stupid but their operation was explained by the dealer as a shuttle valve that shifts forward when the deccelaration occurs applying pressure to the brake pads???

RV dealer is a good idea. we have a major RV dealer nearby.

Thanks

[shag]

Is it a new trailer? you should feel them 'grab' a little with mild braking. I would not think they should cause you to 'lock up' your wheels. The RV place would probably be able to help. If it is used, they might need adjusting.

[joelforce]

check the ferral fittings at t block i had to replace 3 lines because the fittings had hairline cracks from them over tightening at factory.

[AirTool]

Im guessing hydraulic, .....

Thanks

A good test for hydraulic surge brakes is to ...

(start at slower speeds and increase each time in accordance with your comfort level and SAFETY)

Find a straight, level, clean, dry etc road with minimal loose gravel etc and proceed at a fair pace (say 30 mph to start). Be sure you are not in traffic etc and nobody is behind you. Apply the brakes sharply for a moment or two (but NOT a panic or emergency stop) then let off your brake and stay OFF the gas as well. The trailer brakes should stay applied and be a fairly significant drag on your vehicle. Wait a moment and give the gas pedal a quick goose to pull the surge cylinder out. You should then feel the resistance from the trailer subside.

You can try this at various speeds starting SLOW. Make sure you do this with little or no traffic and BE SURE NOBODY IS BEHIND YOU.

You can also test the trailer brakes by trying to back up a steep hill

[RIPnSIX]

I have the surge brakes on my RamLin trailer as well.. They when I do stop, I don't feel much drag.. but when I take off the cylinder clunks loudly and shakes the whole vehicle upon releasing.. . Is this normal? Also.. my reservoir is always leaking brake fluid. Any tips.. the trailer is an "08 with Kodiak brakes.

[Wave City Roller]

Ram Lin Trailer Brakes

Thanks to all for the great info. My trailer does none of those things mentioned. No clunking no delayed release of the trailer brakes. Nothing but the boat pushing me down the road.

Off to the RV dealership.

Thanks again.

[AirTool]

I have the surge brakes on my RamLin trailer as well.. They when I do stop, I don't feel much drag.. but when I take off the cylinder clunks loudly and shakes the whole vehicle upon releasing.. . Is this normal? Also.. my reservoir is always leaking brake fluid. Any tips.. the trailer is an "08 with Kodiak brakes.

Clunking normal ...but doesn't mean the brakes are working. I had a trailer with surge brakes that didn't work and had no fluid ...and it clunked the same as my new RamLin.

Fluid leaking = not good.