CliffA
Well-Known Member
- Dec 29, 2009
- 4,712
- Boat Info
- 2001 Sea Ray 340DA
Name: 'Happy Place'
4.5kW West. Generator
Purchased Nov. 2014
Fresh Water Use
- Engines
- Twin Merc. 6.2L (MPI)
640 hp (Total)
Raw Water Cooled
V-Drive Transmissions
my newly purchased 1998 215EC came equipped with a 2002 aluminum dual axle bunk trailer made by magic tilt...the trailer has surge drum brakes on the front axle...this is my first experience with surge brakes so i have a few questions...i have done some searching and found info on some of my questions but i thought i would also ask my new found friends on this forum for your input as well... i bought the boat near Orlando, FL and pulled it all the way to upstate SC so i had plenty of time to hear and feel how the brakes supposedly work...sorry in advance for the long post..
1. the first thing i noticed was a very loud and abrupt extension and contraction of the controller as the tow truck starts and stops...i understand the way the system works but i was surprised at the 'clunkiness' of this action...i would think the controller would act similar to the way a brake pedal on a car works...when the tow vehicle stops the controller piston is depressed which pressurizes the hydraulic fluid which should act as a 'cushion' of sorts...it appears that there is no cushion from the pressurization of the hydraulic fluid and the controller is just banging against the mechanical stops both forward and backward...is this normal?
2. i have seen some 'cushion hitches' on line that claim to soften this banging around of the brake controller...do these things work and are they worth the money?
3. i am thinking the best way to check to see if the brakes are even working would be to jack up one wheel and spin it...then use a screwdriver to engage the controller piston to see if the wheel stops spinning...is this the best test?
4. i want to bleed the system and repalce the hydraulic fluid...i assume it is just like a car braking system in this respect...anything to be concerned about here?
5. are all trailer brake pads the same?...if i buy brake pads for a 14" wheel does it have to be brand specific?
6. if i wanted to install brakes on the other axle can i use the same controller?...is it as simple as putting a 'T' in the brake lines to feed the other brake cylinders?....would all (4) brakes be adjusted the same or should one axle be adjusted so that those brakes engage slightly before the other axle?
7. when the boat sits on the trailer the transom is hanging over the end of the bunk approx 2 inches...is this enough to be concerned about causing a 'hook' in the hull?...i have not measured the tongue weight yet but plan to do so soon...if adjustments in the tongue weight are needed this will be the time to make the winch stand and/or bunk adjustment if needed...
8. the trailer has a fresh water flushing system installed on the brakes...is flushing needed if the trailer is only dunked in inland lake water?
9. i will need to install new tires on the trailer before the summer...i understand how the sizing and ratings work, but not sure if there are any brands to stay away from...this may be opening a can of worms as i am sure opinions differ here but any suggestions on tire brands?
10. how do you keep wheel bearing grease from pushing out the rear hub seal and making a mess inside of the brake drum?... the wheels have bearing buddies installed on each hub...
1. the first thing i noticed was a very loud and abrupt extension and contraction of the controller as the tow truck starts and stops...i understand the way the system works but i was surprised at the 'clunkiness' of this action...i would think the controller would act similar to the way a brake pedal on a car works...when the tow vehicle stops the controller piston is depressed which pressurizes the hydraulic fluid which should act as a 'cushion' of sorts...it appears that there is no cushion from the pressurization of the hydraulic fluid and the controller is just banging against the mechanical stops both forward and backward...is this normal?
2. i have seen some 'cushion hitches' on line that claim to soften this banging around of the brake controller...do these things work and are they worth the money?
3. i am thinking the best way to check to see if the brakes are even working would be to jack up one wheel and spin it...then use a screwdriver to engage the controller piston to see if the wheel stops spinning...is this the best test?
4. i want to bleed the system and repalce the hydraulic fluid...i assume it is just like a car braking system in this respect...anything to be concerned about here?
5. are all trailer brake pads the same?...if i buy brake pads for a 14" wheel does it have to be brand specific?
6. if i wanted to install brakes on the other axle can i use the same controller?...is it as simple as putting a 'T' in the brake lines to feed the other brake cylinders?....would all (4) brakes be adjusted the same or should one axle be adjusted so that those brakes engage slightly before the other axle?
7. when the boat sits on the trailer the transom is hanging over the end of the bunk approx 2 inches...is this enough to be concerned about causing a 'hook' in the hull?...i have not measured the tongue weight yet but plan to do so soon...if adjustments in the tongue weight are needed this will be the time to make the winch stand and/or bunk adjustment if needed...
8. the trailer has a fresh water flushing system installed on the brakes...is flushing needed if the trailer is only dunked in inland lake water?
9. i will need to install new tires on the trailer before the summer...i understand how the sizing and ratings work, but not sure if there are any brands to stay away from...this may be opening a can of worms as i am sure opinions differ here but any suggestions on tire brands?
10. how do you keep wheel bearing grease from pushing out the rear hub seal and making a mess inside of the brake drum?... the wheels have bearing buddies installed on each hub...
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