| Name: |
Flurman
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| Subject: |
Backing up a trailer
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Date:
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4/29/2012 1:24:28 PM
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The guy at the marina was backing up my trailer and did not have the electrical plugged in. Someone watching suggested my brakes aren't working because without the reverse lights disengaging the brakes, he should not have been able to back up. My question is, since no electrical was hooked up, would the brakes ever engage ?
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| Name: |
JIM
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| Subject: |
Backing up a trailer
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Date:
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4/29/2012 6:27:36 PM
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Depends on what type of brakes are on the trailer, if any at all.
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| Name: |
mckaygmc
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| Subject: |
Backing up a trailer
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Date:
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4/29/2012 9:12:20 PM
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If the Boat was not on the trailer or if he was backing down a hill they may not have enguaged either.
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| Name: |
Ulysses E. McGill
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| Subject: |
Backing up a trailer
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Date:
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4/30/2012 2:35:11 AM (updated 4/30/2012 2:44:13 AM)
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Surge brakes work as the weight of the boat surges forward and they are not dependent on electric from the vehicle. For backing, there is an override that disables the surge brakes when the vehicle is placed in reverse if the trailer is hooked to the vehicles electric system (this overrides breaking during compression of the system and therefore prevents braking as the vehicle pushes backwards).....surge brakes can also be easily disabled manually for backing if no electric connection is available. If you are backing down hill, it is usually not a factor because the surge mechanism will not compress.
If you have electric breaks (very uncommon on boat trailers), they will not engage at all unless hooked up to the vehicles electric system.
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| Name: |
Flurman
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| Subject: |
Backing up a trailer
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Date:
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4/30/2012 9:20:25 AM
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The boat was on the trailer and he did back up hill. So, it sounds like my brakes don't work. Anyone have suggestions on where to take a trailor to get the brakes checked ? Do auto brake shops do this ?
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| Name: |
Ulysses E. McGill
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| Subject: |
Backing up a trailer
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Date:
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4/30/2012 11:46:42 AM (updated 4/30/2012 11:51:08 AM)
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The brakes may be fine if he disabled them....all it takes is a small metal disk that is placed in the surge mechanism for backing . Any marine shop person would probably have one in his pocket and know how to use it (they do this all the time); I'd start with checking that first (ask if he disabled the brakes for backing). If thats not it, check to see if something else is restricting the surge mechanism. If that checks with no restrictions (you get compression when backing), check the hydraulic level in the surge mechanism.
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| Name: |
GoneFishin
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| Subject: |
Backing up a trailer
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Date:
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4/30/2012 11:53:14 AM
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Attach the trailer to your car and take it to the same marina and ask them to test it out. Tell them your concern.
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| Name: |
mckaygmc
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| Subject: |
Backing up a trailer
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Date:
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4/30/2012 4:42:44 PM
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Friend of mine bought a used Sea Ray from the dealer. When he got home he was concerned it didnt"Feel" like the brakes where working....Founf the disc UEM was talking about Electrical Taped in place...May want to check that too..lol
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| Name: |
Flurman
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| Subject: |
Backing up a trailer
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Date:
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5/2/2012 2:46:24 PM
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Thanks for the advice.
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