Just bought a used 2005 Sea Ray 200 Sport and the trailer has Surge Brakes. However, I didn't get any documentation on how to use/connect. I didn't even know what they were when I bought the boat. I can't find anything on the Sea Ray site. Is there a place to go to learn what I should be doing?
Newbie - Surge Brakes
- Thread starter LJ2b2c
- Start date
Nehalennia
Well-Known Member
- Aug 22, 2007
- 10,006
- Boat Info
- 2001 310DA twin 350 MAGs, Westerbeke 4.5KW
- Engines
- Twin 350 MAG V-drives
What is your trailer?
Yea, might need a little more info to help you.
Does it say Sea Ray on the side of the trailer? Do you know if it is the trailer that came with the boat from Sea Ray (although, Sea Ray didn't make it)?
Does the VIN# start with "1MD"? You can also look on your manufacturer plate - it will tell you the brand. Look on the inside of the frame - around the start of the "A" section - where the frame branches off from the tongue.
If any of the above answers are yes, it's a ShoreLand'r.
It should have brakes on both axles - are they drum or disc? Do you have a 4-pin connector or a 5? 5 is for disc.
Surge brakes work by momentum - no electricity is needed to activate the brakes. When the tow vehicle stops, the coupler "surges" forward on the ball. If you look, you'll where this pivoting action takes place. That causes the master cylinder that's inside the coupler to compress (much like you putting your foot on the brake), sending fluid rearwards to the brakes.
However, disc brakes will need 12v applied to the blue wire to operate a solenoid that keeps fluid from going to the brakes when you go in reverse up a hill - or even just too quickly in reverse.
I've never looked, but you may be able to find an owner's manual on ShoreLand'r's website - if that is the brand of trailer you have.
Does it say Sea Ray on the side of the trailer? Do you know if it is the trailer that came with the boat from Sea Ray (although, Sea Ray didn't make it)?
Does the VIN# start with "1MD"? You can also look on your manufacturer plate - it will tell you the brand. Look on the inside of the frame - around the start of the "A" section - where the frame branches off from the tongue.
If any of the above answers are yes, it's a ShoreLand'r.
It should have brakes on both axles - are they drum or disc? Do you have a 4-pin connector or a 5? 5 is for disc.
Surge brakes work by momentum - no electricity is needed to activate the brakes. When the tow vehicle stops, the coupler "surges" forward on the ball. If you look, you'll where this pivoting action takes place. That causes the master cylinder that's inside the coupler to compress (much like you putting your foot on the brake), sending fluid rearwards to the brakes.
However, disc brakes will need 12v applied to the blue wire to operate a solenoid that keeps fluid from going to the brakes when you go in reverse up a hill - or even just too quickly in reverse.
I've never looked, but you may be able to find an owner's manual on ShoreLand'r's website - if that is the brand of trailer you have.
Last edited:
I think I found it. The trailer does say Sea Ray but the unit is a Model A-60 Actuator from UFP Trailer products. Found an owners manual, now just need to read. Thanks for your fast response. I was surprised when I checked back to find replies ! Hope I'll be able to help someone some day.
Welcome aboard, You will find we have a very active, helpful group of Sea Ray owners here. You may want to introduce yourself in the who's who's section. Also update your signature section with your boat and location info. Some user will not reply until you do. Again welcome aboard.
A couple of years ago I posted about a problem I was having with my surge brakes. You may find the post to be of some value.
http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=887
http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=887
- Oct 3, 2006
- 2,019
- Boat Info
- 04 SeaRay 185Sport, Smart Tabs, Mageln Meridian Gold GPS, Hbird Matrix 87 dept/ff/gps/cp, Uniden vhf
- Engines
- 4.3L 190HP, Alpha 1 1.81 ratio, 14 1/4X21 Turning Point Prop
I have just replaced the brake lines on mine and can also tell you where to buy disc brake pads, since it sounds like a Shorelandr trailer with UFP brakes, mine are UFP disc and it took a lot of searching to find the right pads, but I did find a place, ordered on the internet, they shipped out either late same day or early next day, got email with shipping info next AM.