I learned something today that I was unaware of, and perhaps I was the last guy to know!
For those who may be wondering about the braking system on these trailers (M1101/2) it is what's referred to as a free backing system.
I was curious as to why the surge unit did not have a lockout for backing uphill as did my boat trailer.
It's because the design of the actuator/pad assembly is such that it cannot apply pressure to the drum via the pads if the drum is rotating in reverse. Therefore there is no need to physically lockout the surge piston as the hydraulic pressure is never transferred to pad pressure if going backward. I should be more precise and say there is some braking but it is insignificant in real terms.
This all came to my attention because I replaced my surge unit with an electric over hydraulic actuator and was wondering why I had no brakes in reverse! Duh
For those who may be wondering about the braking system on these trailers (M1101/2) it is what's referred to as a free backing system.
I was curious as to why the surge unit did not have a lockout for backing uphill as did my boat trailer.
It's because the design of the actuator/pad assembly is such that it cannot apply pressure to the drum via the pads if the drum is rotating in reverse. Therefore there is no need to physically lockout the surge piston as the hydraulic pressure is never transferred to pad pressure if going backward. I should be more precise and say there is some braking but it is insignificant in real terms.
This all came to my attention because I replaced my surge unit with an electric over hydraulic actuator and was wondering why I had no brakes in reverse! Duh