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Random Quote: If I knew then, what I know now, things would be different!
I'm new to trailering. I ordered a Venture dual axel trailer the other day and it comes with surge brakes on one axel. My boat and trailer will weigh about 6500lbs. I'm wondering if I will have any problems backing my boat and trailer down a boat ramp relying only on my truck's brakes to control the load since surge brakes don't work in reverse (I think). I'm driving a 2004 Toyota Tundra DC 4x4. I'm also thinking about having the dealer install brakes to the other axel before I pick up the trailer. Any thoughts on these issues will be appreciated. Thanks.
If your vehicle is rated for the weight, you should have no problem. 2 or 4 WD? If 2, you may have an issue on a slick, steep ramp. Just remember, go slow. A boat ramp is not the place to show your Richard Petty skills.
does the trailer have a solenoid switch that releases the brakes in reverse? if it does then you have brakes backing downas long as you take it out of reverse as the brakes will lock up , if it does not adding another set of brakes will not do you any good, I have a 6500 pound boat as well , I back down in low range and wheels locked in , this way here if the ramp is slippery I can have the front wheels pull if need be with just a shift into drive
I have one with the solenoid, i added a powered switch, so when reversing, you hit the switch and it powers solenoid, which in turn releases brake for reversing.
I dont see any problem. wetneck's idea is interesting though. You cant otherwise engage surge brakes when backing downhill because they rely on the trailer "surging" forward to activate.
Backing down a steep ramp shouldn't engage the surge brakes as the trailer "hangs" off the hitch and there is no weight pushing against the surge actuator. Backing up hill is completely different as you are pushing against your trailer's weight activating the brakes. My trailers either had a solenoid wired to the reverse lights or a pin you put in the actuator before backing.
FWIW, i would get brakes on both axles. Here in Connecticut it's law. I always found the brakes to be the limiting issue with any of my tow vehicles. Helper springs can be added and you can drive slower out of overdrive, but you can't compensate for brakes. It always seemed some moron was doing everything possible so as not to be behind me (passing on left, cutting off, changing lanes in front of me, etc.) so I would think about the extra brakes.
DOWNhill was never an issue.....backing TO the ramp and to my parking spot was. the weight of the boat/trailer compresses coupler in reverse,engaging brakes, the solenoid releases them.
Backing up will cause the brakes to work-- happens to me all the time-- I drilled hole thur the hitch so I could stick a pin thur the hitch to stop in from working--- works great however MUST !!! remenber to pull out when going home ---DOT will write you up because the surge will not work--- maybe a solenoid working on back up light is the way to go about $ 50.00
If you have a problem with the weight of the trailer consider installing an electric/hydraulic actuator this will give you
braking in forward and reverse. Better to have brakes on all axles too.
If you don't have enough tow vehicle traction to brake the trailer when going down a ramp, you won't have enough traction to retrieve the boat and pull the trailer up a ramp. The greater concern about traction is always going to be retrieval, rather than launching. If you are confident you can retrieve the boat, you should be confident you can launch the boat.
Inlander I agree with your post but also feel that having the electric/hydraulic brakes will aid in stopping straight
too. Also when backing in reverse it is nice to have good brakes to stop quickly in order to avoid hitting an obstacle.
Some of the people here have little experience with backing trailers and being able to hit the brake pedal and have it
stop immediately is a plus.
Start down the ramp and when you feel the boat pulling you down put your tranny back in drive take your foot off the brake and watch what happens . It's cool.
JUst do everything SLOOOOOOOOOOOOW . you slam on the brakes you can slide into the water and when pulling out don't spin or the same can happen.
Now go have some fun and we want pictures.
Lester
__________________ F350 4x4/ Dodge 2500HD 5.9L Cummins
Leaving the Picture of the Ford cuz I miss it
Pacific 2325 cc
Honda bf225
aluminumalloyboats.com
Thanks so much for the replies. Good info here. The trailer does have the solenoid to release the brakes while backing up. I'm on the verge of calling the dealer to have the second set of brakes installed. I only live 1.5 miles from my marina and that for the most part will be the extent of my trailering which is why I did not opt for the second set of brakes in the first place. But I think I will take the advice here and have the second set put on. It sounds like the electric/hydraulic system is the way to go, I'm trying to keep the costs down for now since my wife still has heartburn over buying the boat this spring and all the money spent on setting it up. That will have to be an add on in the future. Again, the info you fellows pass along is priceless, thanks.
If you have a problem with the weight of the trailer consider installing an electric/hydraulic actuator this will give you
braking in forward and reverse. Better to have brakes on all axles too.
Steve
Check your local laws, some places require brakes on all axles above a certain weight.
__________________ Stratos 2500 wa
Twin 225 Johnsons
What is that sucking sound?
richinct, I personally would not have a trailer without all wheel brakes, I (maybe improperly) assume that the dealer
cannot sell the trailer without it meeting the laws in his state. That being said I can only recommend that it is better to
have than to have not. True of money and brakes.
copycat, All I have to do is watch my brother try to back up his 5th wheel.
john powers, you can add the second axle brakes now and go to the electric/hydraulic when you can, the sooner the better.
being that you have 4 wheel drive, you can increase your control in reverse by locking it into 4x4 while backing down the ramp. This is if your truck has rear drum breaks, which are hardly usefull when backing. This won't increase your breaking power, but will increase your traction in a locked brake situation.
I think you are worrying a bit too much. With that limited towing, total weight, and apparently reasonable tow vehicle, dual axle brakes is overkill and electric is overkill. Just enjoy.
If you NEED trailer brakes to help you while backing down the ramp, you're pulling WAY too much weight. With the Tundra and the 6500 lb rig you describe you should be fine, even without trailer brakes.
The suggestion for electric/hydraulic brakes was for saety while towing, not just for backing down the ramp. People always
seem to tow a boat other places once they have it.
Backing up a trailer with surge brakes 
