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 KODIAK and TIE DOWN ENGINEERING stainless steel rotor 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 by TIE DOWN ENGINEERING, and provide superior braking power over drum brakes. TIE DOWN ENGINEERING 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 ENGINEERING or TITAN to allow for easy installation.

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 each actuator, foundation brake, and brake tubing kit.

The 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.

The Trailer Disc Brake assemblies from KODIAK TRAILER COMPONENTS offer the following advanced features:
Corrosion Resistance is important on all types of trailers and of major consideration in salt water or other corrosive environments.
Kodiak pioneered the use of brass fittings, stainless steel guide bolts and sleeves, and stainless steel pistons as standard items in trailer disc brake calipers.
Kodiak rotors are offered with an E-coated finish, Silver Cadmium Plated, and Stainless Steel (not available in integral hub/rotors)
At a minimum, all Kodiak caliper castings and caliper mounting brackets are e-coated with options for silver cadmium plating or an all stainless steel product.
Note: On a stainless steel caliper, all parts are stainless steel except for the fittings, which are brass, and the backing plate on the friction pads, which are zinc plated carbon steel.

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.