* NOTE: <#> is the reference number shown in the assembly diagram of the actuator located at the end of this manual
Page 4 of 13
TESTING TITAN SURGE BRAKE SYSTEMS
Hydraulic surge actuator systems provide automatic and smooth trailer braking without special application by the tow
vehicle driver. While this is extremely convenient it can sometimes be difficult to determine if the surge setup is
functioning properly. The following steps provide a quick field-test to confirm that the trailer brake system is operational.
1.
Move the trailer to flat, level ground, pulling FORWARD several feet before parking. This forward motion will
ensure trailers equipped with free-backing brakes are in their normal operating mode. Disconnect the 'trailer from
the tow vehicle and jack the trailer's tongue until it is horizontal.
2.
Hook the trailer's safety chains (NOT the actuator's breakaway
cable/chain) together to form a loop, which is centered below
the actuator's coupler as shown in Figure 2.
3.
Place a sturdy board, such as a 2 inch by 4 inch piece of
lumber, into the chain loop below the coupler. The board
should be 4 feet or longer so it will extend several feet above
the actuator. Keep the end of the board a few inches off the
ground, and position it to press against the front end of the
actuator's coupler.
4.
Stand in front of the trailer and face the rear. Apply force to
the top end of the board to use it as a lever. Press back
towards the rear of the trailer. The board will begin moving the
coupler case (inner slide) into the actuator’s outer housing.
5.
Keep pressing the top of the board to stroke the actuator and its internal master cylinder. If the trailer brake
system is operational, the brakes will apply and keep the trailer from rolling away from you. Properly adjusted uni-
servo or duo-servo type brakes will prevent you from moving the trailer back more than a few inches. Free-
backing type brakes will initially provide rolling resistance, but continued force on the board will switch them into
free-backing mode, and you’ll be able to move the trailer backwards.
6.
If you have uni-servo or duo-servo brakes, and stroking the actuator (as described previously) causes the trailer
to roll away from you freely or with only minimal resistance, the brakes are
NOT
applying properly. If you have
free-backing brakes, and stroking the actuator (as described previously) causes the trailer to roll away without
initial resistance, the brakes are
NOT
applying properly. The brake system
MUST
be evaluated to determine the
cause of the problem, and corrective action
MUST
be taken before the trailer is used.
Use this procedure each time you tow your trailer to check your surge brake system operation.
