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I am having a big problem with my surge brakes activating (pushing) going down steep inclines and really heating up. I have been told that changing from a surge master cylinder to an electric pump might be the way to go. Has anyone had any experience with this type of system and offer me some pros/cons? What type/brand?
My buddy just switched from Vacuum-Over to Electric -Over and says they is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Of course this is on a 35' hot shot rig not a boat trailer . But he said they are real easy to control . I can ask him any specific questions you might have ?
Dave
I have both, I have one trailer with surge brakes and the other with elctric.
I prefer the surge brakes. hands down just plain works better. And I think you will still have the same problem with over heating brakes on the hills if you are using the brakes alot. just touching the brakes in the truck will activate the trailer brakes. so if you are keeping you foot on the brake pedal on the down hills, expect the same. Is there any chance you need a heavier duty Trailer?
Reel Lover The elec over hyd is suited to your needs.
As you know, on a downhill run the trailer with a surgehyd brakes has the brakes ingauged all the time.
For us flatlanders [FL] it's not a issue, but for the mountain's it's what you need.
I like the simplicity of hydraulic brakes. However, you have identified the one downside to them. To solve this problme I fully extended the the hitch arm by positioning the trailer uphill on my driveway. I then drilled a 1/2" hole horizontally and centered thru the arm so it just cleared the actuator square tube. Now when backing or descending a steep hill I just insert a receiver pin. It keeps the brakes from actuating and is much cheaper than converting to electric actuation.
Hav'nfun, I like your pin idea. However, I'm pulling about 13,000# and would be fearfull of not having any brakes on the trailer at all. For short situations, it might be ok. Thanks for your and everyone else's input.
I don't know if this will help or not. My trailer has a pin that hookes up to the reverse light to disengauge the surge breaks when you backup. Maybe if yours is the same, you can rig up a switch that you press? Of course this being a safety issue you would want it to be momentary. That could get tedius if you have to concentrate on two things at once, just a though.
Sorry I forgot to add that Dexter & others make the electric pump that works with the hydraulic brakes. The pump connects to the brake controller via the plug connection. The only feed back I have heard is the response is not as quick as the old style hydraulic booster pump. With the new trucks coming out the electric pump set up is in some cases the only route to go.
Reel Lover, I only use the pin when reversing down a ramp. This way I can have my electrical connection unplugged. I also have used it coming down the hill into Santa Roselia, Baja. I keep my speed down and use my exhaust brake.
I would never keep the pin in it under normal conditions.
The switch Melnic mentioned works fine for down hill disconnect but won't work if you disconnect the trailer electrics while launching.
I don't think they are dumb! Pretty neat to have different ideas. Some work in some situations, but probably not all. Hopefully, we have enough sense to decide what fits our needs.
I have heard that Fulton is selling electric brakes that are sealed and can be used in salt water, they have some kind of sharkskin coating that is supposed to be corrosion resistant. Anyone know anything about these?
I have to put brakes on my trailer this year and am debating what system is best.
The load is not much, 3300 lbs on a single axle trailer.
Read the posts wart.
I never said to disconnect it.
A friend of mine has surge breaks and he rigged a switch to disengauge it temporarily for when he stops at a light and it engauges and says that way when stopped. He pushes this "MOMENTARY" button as he pulls away then lets go. I'm only suggesting a momentary switch, not disconnecting it.
If one can buy something to solve such a problem then I'm sure its worth it. My friend only tows 2 times a year back and forth to his slip so he just rigged the switch.
Electric over hydraulic trailer brakes 
