Community Forums

Jfs999 · 03-20-2017, 08:06 AM

While I realize that it's not recommended to back with a dolly, I've heard it can be done. I have a Master Tow Dolly with surge brakes and was wondering if anyone has any experience doing this - specifically - the effect of backing up with the surge brake. thanks

LJowdy · 03-20-2017, 09:15 AM

Most surge brake systems won't let you back up as the rearward force generated is enough to activate the brakes. Several companies make a steel rod that keeps the coupler from compressing thus not activating the trailer brakes or a disc such as this:

"BACK UP BUDDY" A .UFP. SURGE BRAKE LOCK OUT KEY...BOAT TRAILER..MAGNETIC KEY | eBay

lllkrob · 03-20-2017, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jfs999

While I realize that it's not recommended to back with a dolly, I've heard it can be done. I have a Master Tow Dolly with surge brakes and was wondering if anyone has any experience doing this - specifically - the effect of backing up with the surge brake. thanks

I had a Master tow dolly with surge brakes and yes you can back up with it at very slow speed in a straight line. The Master Tow dolly has a override spring on the surge master cylinder that prevents it from applying when low force is exerted on the system such as backing up or coasting down a hill.

Playtime III · 03-20-2017, 06:31 PM

MT used several different surge couplers over the years. Mine has a lock out (auto resets as soon as I pull forward). Even without using the lockout I can reverse short distance without wheel lock ups.

twinboat · 03-20-2017, 06:40 PM

I've backed my Stehl Tow, loaded, a few times a short distance.

Empty, it skids so I take the hitch lock pin out and stick it in a hole in the hitch, that blocks the hitch from activating the brakes.

There are line lock solenoids sold that actavate with the reverse lights. Boat trailers need them.

Stevie3508 · 03-20-2017, 06:49 PM

Not sure about any of the specific tow dollies but on my boat trailer there is a solonoid operated valve that opens when the tow vehicles backup light circuit is energized. This allows the brake fluid to circulate back to the master cylinder instead of applying presume to the brake wheel cylinders or calipers. Once you place your tow vehicle gear selector in reverse your trailer brakes are deactivated.
There is also a manual lockout on the trailer tongue. It will not reset itself so you have to remember to switch it back to the normal setting so that your brakes work when you are moving forward.

I would assume that the tow dolly manufacturers have this information available for anyone that is willing to contact them directly.

vettenuts · 03-20-2017, 07:06 PM

ACME has a key that prevents the surge brake from activating. They show its use on their web site if I recall.

Jfs999 · 03-21-2017, 06:55 AM

Got my answer - I called Master Tow (should have done this to begin with) and spoke with one of their techs. He advised that the surge brakes on the Master Tow Dollies are designed so they will not work when going in reverse. thanks for all the responses.

Playtime III · 03-21-2017, 07:50 AM

If you got the MT. Go ahead and find a truck/trailer parts place and replace the filament lamps with LED. I found them at a Big TEX shop for only $9/each but be sure to get the 3-way (tail.stop,turn) for both red and yellow lamps. A 7/16 socket and a couple of minutes to unplug, remove, replace, re-plug will save frustrations when the filament ones fail. MUCH cheaper than getting the upgraded lamp parts from MT.