Community Forums

BobThompson · 07-02-2014, 08:33 PM

Has anyone owned/heard of a tow dolly with air operated (as in DP brake activated) Disc Brakes. Eliminating the problems that accompany surge braking systems would seem to be a big incentive to a manufacturer that wanted an innovation, but I haven't heard of this type setup. Bob T

jeepthrills · 07-02-2014, 11:02 PM

never heard of or seen one....that dosen't mean it can't exist...kinda like unicorns.

rivraton · 07-02-2014, 11:16 PM

My dolly has electric brakes powered by the brake light, the braking effort is adjustable via an electronic controller.

spritz · 07-03-2014, 08:04 AM

What problems are you referring too with the surge brakes? I have them on my KarKaddySS and have had no problems in 3 years. I think they help slow the MH down also...

Tim

BobThompson · 07-04-2014, 11:47 AM

The problem I am referring to is the need to get out and set the surge brakes so they do not engage when you want to back up. I guess I'm a lazy old geezer, but if someone was handicapped in any way or if you didn't want to have to hop out in traffic in order to have to negotiate a very tight corner by backing up some a surge braking setup is a pain. It would seem some manufacturer would combine an Air Force system with a surge brake tow dolly (aluminum would be nice) to be the cat's meow. None of us is getting any younger. Bob T

Scarab0088 · 07-04-2014, 02:04 PM

Great question, but probably too expensive to be part of a cost effective comercially built dolly, and difficult to adjust between loaded/unloaded...plus really not needed, because...

Surge brake equipped towables can easily be fitted with an electric solenoid that blocks the braking force when backing (5th wire to the back-up lights). My boat trailer had one from new.

I have not added one to my dolly (w/ surge brakes) because how rare a backing situation happens. In the few events that I have had to back-up the RV with dolly and toad, I exited the RV to check clearance before backing...and installed the backing key provided by the dolly maker.

Best luck

BobThompson · 07-05-2014, 07:59 AM

I never thought of that, Scarab0088. A Godsend for anyone with limited mobility. Have you heard of any tow dolly manufacturer that offers it as an option? Or do you have any leads to a modifier? Thx Bob T

Scarab0088 · 07-05-2014, 02:01 PM

Acme will add one to their EZE-Tow (I believe) and I bet the other makers could too.

And, it is an easy owner add-on like: Replacement Solenoid Valve for Titan Brake Actuators with Reverse Lockouts Titan Accessories and Parts T4748800

Not too difficult to add, but requires the use of a brake line cutter and flare tool to modify the brake line connection at the surge brake actuator...a simple job for a trailer repair shop near you

Best luck

BobThompson · 07-05-2014, 06:03 PM

I'll have to ask about that whenever I talk to any Manu. I haven't found one yet that I'm totally sold on yet, so I don't have to rush anyway. Bob T

spritz · 07-06-2014, 11:28 AM

It only takes one time, I have had to back out of a bad situation I was able to back up about 12 feet with out doing anything but put the MH in reverse I have a dolly that has surge breaks.
It was the last time I got my self stuck like this.

Tim

BobThompson · 07-09-2014, 09:20 AM

Spoke to George at Landgrebe. He informed me that that solenoid is standard on any tow dolly that they make with disc brakes. necessary because disc brakes work in reverse unlike drum brakes that can be near useless in reverse if it is one type. the other type will work so it must have the solenoid also (or have the pin put in.) Too much to learn. I assume that EZ tow dollies have it standard as well, as their dolly has disc brakes also. Bob T

Scarab0088 · 07-09-2014, 09:55 AM

The EZE-Tow comes standard with a "backing key" that is inserted in the brake actuator to reverse.

The solenoid would be an option...but I have never asked.

Best luck