Titan Surge Brake Actuator

[rpasca02]

I bought a used 2001 Macgregor 26x this year with original steel trailer. I was able to successfully put it up the ramp for winter storage, move it about 15 miles, and into in a boat yard and didn't service much on the trailer before hand. It rolled, and was secure, the brake fluid had all leaked out before I got to it so I put some in - that's about it (yes done improperly - not my choice at the time).

I'm trying to figure out the fairly old Titan surge brake actuator. It's at the yard so I didn't search around for the model number. I thought I would post to see if there has been a standard model for example a 60 which Macgregor used during this time.

http://www.championtrailers.com/TDMO60MANUAL.pdf

In addition all Macgregor trailers have free-backing drum brakes is that correct?

Thanks this is a big help.

[captronr]

My guess is you could back the trailer/boat uphill since it was low or out of brake fluid, or the brake linkage was rusted in place.

My 2002 OEM trailer w/ surge brakes would NOT let me back uphill without overcoming great braking effort. A lot of folks have posted mods to drill 1/4" holes in the surge bracket, so you can insert a pin and stop the brakes from activating when backing. Note: It should not be used in towing as the brakes would be de-activated trying to stop going forward as well.

I eliminated all that when I installed a heavier axle with 15" tires/wheels and electric brakes.

Ron

[b i l l]

I do not know if Macgregor has always used the same actuators on their trailors, but my standard steel trailor came with a A-60 made by U F P. You can download owner and user instruction manual from their web site. You may also need to purchase another insert for your trailor electrical connecter, one with 5 prongs. the fifth prong attaches to the vehicle backup lights and opens a valve that lets the brake fluid bypass back into the reservoir thus not activating the brakes. I would not recomend drilling a hole for a pin to eliminate brakes ingageing, too much necessary components to the brake system that could be dammaged.

[Tomfoolery]

If it's old, it's probably a Dico, which is the same as the current Titan 60 (6000 lb) surge coupler or the slightly heavier 60Z (7000 lb) coupler.

My OEM steel trailer had a 2-axle drum brake system (incorporating the original single axle) that was shot when I got it. The brakes worked, but the shoes were so worn and rusted that once applied, they didn't want to release. Burned them up getting it home. I've since replaced the whole system, using disc brakes on a single axle, and a new Titan 60 coupler with reverse lockout solenoid.

The hardest part was getting the old coupler off, as it was welded on and I no longer have a torch. Lots of grinding. Worth it in the end, though, as I can take the new one off if I need to for whatever reason. I was going to replace the master cylinder, but the damper looked leaky, and by the time I bought those parts, I could have an all new coupler. Since I needed new shoes, wheel cylinders, and brake lines anyway, a disc brake kit (single axle) was the most cost effective. A few bucks more and I could have had discs on all four wheels, but the trailer with boat is not likely over 4000 lb, so I went with just one axle.

I'm not sure what you're asking exactly, but the coupler is serviceable. Parts add up, so consider a new coupler, especially if it shows any signs of damage.

Oh, and you can stick a pin through the opening in the front to lock out the brakes for reversing, if you wanted to, but if the discs are free-backing, you woudn't need to. The shoes in mine were NOT free-backing, so a lockout would be nice if backing up a hill. Standard single-actuator drums have less braking in reverse, so you may be able to brute force the trailer up a hill, but a simple 5/8" pin through the front of the actuator (where the two horse collar straps are) would take care of it.

The one on the left is the original 2" x 3" 3500 lb axle.

[snotnosetommy]

Had the same problem with my Mac trailer when I got it. If the fluid was all gone, the master cylinder is likely shot, and a whole new Titan Dico coupler won't cost any more.
Surge brakes on a single-axle trailer will work just fine if you're not driving thru the Rockies. If they lock up when backing, your brake shoes need adjustment. Pin shouldn't be necessary.
As noted, see the manual on the Titan website. Lots of good info.

[Tomfoolery]

Which reminds me that I forgot to mention that when using disc brakes, you need a lockout of some sort, as disc brakes work as well in either direction, unlike drums.