BoatBanter.com - View Single Post - Trailer That Has a Surge Brake Makes Noise When Start Towing?

wrote:
When I released the brake in the towing vehicle and started towing, I
often heard noise coming from behind me (likely coming from the
connection between the towing vehicle and the trailer). Is it a
standard behavior of a surge brake?

I am wondering the surge brake might have engaged when I stopped the
car, and it remained engaged. When I released the brake in the towing
vehicle and stepped on the gas panel, the surge brake could not respond
fast enough to release its brake. That caused the hitch ball of the
towing vehicle to impact on the coupler of the trailer, and this made
noise. Is my understanding correct? If this was the case, I should go
easy on the gas panel when I go from stop to start the vehicle.

Any idea?

Thanks.

Jay Chan

You should always do a rolling start when pulling a trailer to allow
all components to take up the stress gradually. The surge brake should
release as soon as the coupler is pulled forward or the trailer takes
the strain off the coupler. (roll back)

You should check all parts of your hitch for any loose bolts and check
that the brakes are being applied and released properly.