Update: FMCSA Approves Surge Brakes For Light & Medium Duty Trailers Effective 04/05/2007 (click for details)

BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Boat Trailer Brakes  &  Utility Trailer Brakes

When selecting trailer brake components for your trailer, consider the weight of trailer fully loaded with all cargo and equipment. For multi-axle trailers, consider how many axles will be equipped with brakes to meet your stopping requirements. Also, to get the most benefit from your brake system, follow the instructions for care and maintenance in the installation and service manual included with your purchase.

BRAKE PARTS FROM ATWOOD, TIE DOWN, TITAN & DICO and  FULTON PERFORMANCE. Trailer surge brakes consist of a hydraulic coupler or ACTUATOR, hydraulic BRAKE TUBING, backing plate assemblies or FOUNDATION BRAKES, and brake DRUM & HUB assemblies. A more recently available alternative to drum & shoe systems are the marine grade DISC BRAKE assemblies.Both systems work by the "surge" or "push" of the trailer toward the tow vehicle during deceleration which automatically synchronizes the trailer brakes with the tow vehicle brakes. As the trailer pushes against the vehicle, the actuator telescopes together and applies force to its master cylinder, supplying hydraulic pressure to the trailer brakes.Foundation Brake assemblies (backing plate, brake shoes & springs) are available in 10" & 12" diameters with the two most common designs being UNI-SERVO and FREE BACKING. 'Uni-Servo' brakes have 20% braking power in reverse, therefore they are recommended to be matched with an Actuator that is designed with a 'Back-Up Lock Out' for backing up an incline or over soft ground. 'Free Backing' brakes incorporate a unique design which allows the trailer to 'roll free' while backing up, but they have no braking power in reverse. DISC BRAKES are available in 9.2" & 10-3/8" diameters, and provide superior braking power over drum brakes. Disc Brakes may be installed using existing actuator and tubing, however, disc brakes generate full braking power in reverse.  A reverse lockout solenoid (order # 5256067) or ball valve (order# 1506001) should be installed at the actuator before installation of disc brakes. Also, disc brakes require the check valve inside the master cylinder to be slightly punctured to eliminate a constant hydraulic pressure which would cause the brakes to drag, leading to excessive heat and premature wear. A specially designed Disc Brake Actuator is also available from TIE DOWN or TITAN to allow for easy installation.
The VENTED Trailer Disc Brake assemblies from 'Tie Down Engineering' offer the following advanced features:
New Black E-Coat Finish provides double corrosion protection on hot dipped galvanized hubs and aluminum calipers, and...
Floating pads with metal backing plate. Vented caliper housing. Grade 413 aluminum. Semi metallic pads. Pressure equalizing port. New sliding pins with oil impregnated bronze bushings. Four point mounting bracket. One piece brass bleeder valves. Stainless steel shoulder pins and lock nuts. Hollow pistons. "Square" style O-rings. Additional rotor clearance. Tie Down Factory preinstalled stainless steel pins.  Each retail box is for one wheel, includes mounting bracket, hardware and complete installation instructions.

ELECTRIC BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS:
Electric brake systems consist of components mounted both on the tow vehicle and the trailer. For these systems to operate properly, the trailer wiring end plug on the trailer must match the wiring pattern of the mating plug on the tow vehicle. The most common plug types for electric brake trailers are the 6-pole round pin and 7-pole RV flat blade connectors. An ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROLLER must be properly mounted at the dash area of the tow vehicle. The brake controller allows for adjustment of braking strength and also offers a manual brake control for emergency braking. Some controllers are available with a pre-wired quick connect plug for easy installation on select late model vehicles that have a factory tow prep package. Be certain to follow the installation instructions and to use the proper gauge wire and circuit breaker size when installing a brake controller on your tow vehicle.

The trailer side of an electric brake system consists of left & right ELECTRIC BRAKE ASSEMBLIES, drum & hub assemblies, EMERGENCY BREAKAWAY KIT-(battery w/box, breakaway switch, trickle charger) and end plug connector.

Trailer Parts Superstore now offers Dexter Axle electric trailer brakes & brake repair parts.  With nine manufacturing facilities, an international distribution network, and over 1700 employees, Dexter is the premier supplier of running gear and components to the trailer industry.

ELECTRIC OVER HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS:
The electric over hydraulic system is a very adaptable means of supplying robust braking power for a wide range of towing applications. Components of the electric/hydraulic system are mounted on the trailer and consist of an electric/hydraulic power unit, battery, hydraulic lines and hydraulic disc or drum brakes. A 12 volt power supply and electronic signal are supplied from the tow vehicle. The electronic signal is generated by an inertial brake controller of the type typically used with electric trailer brakes.

When the operator applies the tow vehicle service brakes, the tow vehicle controller generates an electronic signal in proportion to the inertia change (slowing) of the tow vehicle. The electric/hydraulic power unit receives this signal and produces hydraulic pressure in proportion to the signal strength. The resulting pressure is distributed throughout the trailer brake system.

Typical applications for electric/hydraulic brake systems range from small single axle utility trailers to large multi-axle recreational vehicles, as well as stock trailers, equipment trailers and flats, receiver, fifth wheel and gooseneck styles. Electric/hydraulic trailer brakes are easily supported by any tow vehicle equipped with an electric brake controller, allowing flexibility in tow vehicle/trailer combinations. Modifications to the tow vehicle are minimal and unobtrusive. Electric/hydraulic brakes are compatible with tow vehicle ABS. The trailer brakes may be applied independently of the tow vehicle brakes. Maximum braking effort is applied to the trailer brakes in the event the trailer becomes uncoupled from the tow vehicle.

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