Pop Up Brake Question

[DJBounce]

My wife and I are looking to purchase a pop up camper within the next year. We went out to see what brands and models we liked. One of the places we went to had a nice used Jayco with Hydraulic Surge Brakes. The saleman did a good job explaining it, and I understand the concept. But doing further research on the internet, I see that electric brakes are an option. Can anyone give any input. I understand that the surge brakes are standard on the bigger models with the electric an option. Is it worth getting the electric option, do they work better?

 

[John VN]

Lots of info at www.rv.net. You can do a search and find the answers you are looking for.

Surge brakes are not legal in some states because of the way they work and don't work. Electric are preferred.

John

 

[bicyclemark]

If you don't want to go to rv.net, here are the basics...

Surge brakes work by inertia only. In other words, if there is a differential in inertia (velocity and mass) in a direction that pushes the two together, then the brakes are applied. This works well on a flat or when going up-hill as long as you are going forward. When you try to back up, the brakes are applied and, if you are going slowly down hill, the brakes are applied. There aer people who use them and are satasfied. I have pulled trailers twice with them and will avoid them any time possible.

If you need brakes on your trailer, upgrade to an electric controler. You will not be sorry. The mid range controllers use an accelerometer in the unit mounted along with getting a signal from your brake. If your brakes are not on, it won't apply power to the trailer brakes. Also, by using an accelerometer the trailer braking is proportional to the tow vehicles deceleration.

I would also suggest checking out www.sunnybrooktalk.com it is a smaller site than rv.com and is very friendly.

 

[tim5055]

Lots of info at www.rv.netSurge brakes are not legal in some states because of the way they work and don't work. Electric are preferred.

John

While I agree that electric are preferred (for me at least) I don't know of any state in which surge brakes are illegal. Most states have a minimum weight after which you have to have brakes, but they don't specify electric or surge. Surge brakes are on almost every boat trailer because when launching and recovering the boat the wheel (brakes) are submerged in the water. While the water would kill electric brakes, it dosn't effect surge brakes.

Check out my Pop Up Camping Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

 

[geniegirl]

also check out:

www.popupexplorer.com

they offer great info on all topics and answers to may of your questions.