Surge brakes on an old trailer

[TooTallTom]

So I'm thinking about surge brakes on a slightly bigger trailer than I have now, but don't know anything about trailer brakes. So, obviously, I thought I should ask around here. I've seen them on older trailers, but I don't know what I should be looking for as far as symptoms of potential problems/ issues.

Is the general design sound enough that a brake system that's, say, 30 years old should still function well? What are common problems to look for? How do I recognize them? Would I be better off spending less money on the trailer, and putting in a new system? If I do go that route, should I go with electronically-contolled, or stick with surge brakes?

Thanks for all the help,

Tom.

[TooTallTom]

Beuhler? Anyone? Beuhler?

Or would this be a better fit in the boats section?

[BartmanMN]

They are pretty straight forward. Master cylinder, Backup solenoid that prevents the brakes from locking when you back up, and brake lines. Fill the master cylinder with Dot3, jack up one side of trailer and ask somone to depress the plunger on front of master cylinder while you open and close the bleed valve. Once they are bled, then you should see the brake pad or shoe depressing when the master cylinder is pushed. Repeat on other side. I just replaced my master cylinder ($75 after shipping) and backup solenoid ($32).

[TooTallTom]

Thanks BartmanMN. It sounds like they're pretty straightforward systems, and if there's a problem it would be pretty apparent. Is that about right?

[Surface Tension]

From the master cylinder back they are just like a cars drum brakes.

Wheel cylinders can leak with age and will be obvious when you pull the drum off.

On a trailer of that age I'd bleed out the old brake fluid.

Check for proper length of the break away cable so that it can't be activated while turning.

Adjust the brakes same way you would with drum brakes on a car.

Jack up the trailer, remove the plug and with a brake tool or large flat screw driver start turning the star till the tire won't turn.

Now back it off till it just spins with a little resistance.

[TooTallTom]

Thanks Frank. Being just like a car from the master cylinder back makes sense. I don't know why I didn't think of that...