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M1101 M1102 Surge Brake Removal ?

Sharky1528

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Guys
Having issues with my surge brakes on my M1102 Trailer and just wanted to know is there a way to just remove the system ? I use this as a utility trailer now and I feel the surge brake system is over kill for my needs..

any thoughts ??
 

Tinstar

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Why remove?
What problems are you having?

Just fix the issues and you will have great brakes.
Once you repair/replace what's needed, the system will be trouble free for years.

Are the brakes overkill?
Maybe, but when the trailers loaded and heavy and someone pulls/steps out in front of you or does a slam on the brakes trick, you will be very glad you have them. Doesn't matter how heavy duty the pickup is.

The brake system is incredibly simple and very easy to work on.

I would fix them.
 

gimpyrobb

dumpsterlandingfromorbit!
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The easiest way would be to drain it.

I can help take it off if you can't live with it attached to the trailer though. I bet the plasma cutter could make quick work of it!
 

Mainsail

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I'll echo what Tinstar said; fix it instead of disabling it.

A yard of gravel delivered = $350
A yard of gravel picked up = $50
Savings = $300
Stopping fast if you need to with 4200# behind you = Priceless

You never know what you'll need to carry, which is sort of the point of a utility trailer. If you're not comfortable fixing it, take it to any trailer place; it's all common parts inside there.
 

FloridaAKM

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Is the problem backing in reverse up an incline? These trailers are known to exhibit that trait. Other than that, I would never disable or remove them. If you are involved in an accident, the police report will include the fact that the existing brakes were tampered with/deactivated/removed.
 

Tinstar

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I spent the time and funds on my trailers brakes, bearings, etc when I first got them.
Now they are trouble free and work perfectly and very reliable.


You'll spend more time and effort removing them than it will take to fix them.
Post what problems your having so we can help you fix it.
 

Daybreak

2 Star Admiral
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The link goes to a post that gives no information or additional links.
Howdy,

Military part to civilian counterpart model Titan/Dico Model 6 hydraulic brake actuator.

All the parts for repairing and fixing.
cylinder, cap, breakaway, spring clip etc..

If he looks for a manual on what to fix, or replace to make them work.
 

Sharky1528

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Guy's
Thanks for the info... I need to pull the wheels off and see what I have and report back. Right now the trailer seems to want to drag the brakes when pulling it in town over bumpy roads with a light load in the trailer.
 

Mainsail

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Guy's
Thanks for the info... I need to pull the wheels off and see what I have and report back. Right now the trailer seems to want to drag the brakes when pulling it in town over bumpy roads with a light load in the trailer.
Is the trailer more or less level when you're towing it?
 

Tinstar

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Did you get trailer from Govt or private seller?
Once in your possession, did you pull drums and check drums and bearings, etc?
Brake fluid reservoir empty and rusted? Fluid color if full?

Military is famous for not maintaining these and rusted drums, bad bearings, etc., are very common.


Could be as simple as just adjusting brakes or your surge shock could be worn out.
Both very simple fixes.
Check parking brake tension also.
 

DeadParrot

Active member
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Location
oklahoma city, ok
If DOT3 fluid got used to top it off, you will need to drain, flush and refill. These came with DOT5 fluid and the two don't mix.

Also, if yours is placarded as a M1102, that makes it a 4200 GVWR trailer and in many states, required to have some kind of trailer brakes. The M1101 is a 3400 GVWR and exempt in many states. No physical difference in the trailers but an important legal difference.
 

Sharky1528

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She does sit a little nose down when towing... Got it off of Gov. Planet so it sounds like I need to pull off the wheels and give her a good going over !!! Will report back...
 

Tinstar

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Yea
That's usually the very first thing to do.
Hopefully nothing is too bad and the spindles, etc. are in good shape.

My first one, the drums were rusted to the brake shoes.
Once off, was able to turn drums and save them.
Second trailer was just light rust and also had them turned.
Bearings toast on one, looked brand new on other trailer.
Did full bearings/races/seals and new brake shoes and cylinders when I first got mine.
Brake reservoirs also.
Upgraded to the FreeBack system and both trailers are ready for almost anything.
The piece of mind knowing exactly what you have is very comforting.

You just never know what you have until you get into it.
Use good parts and it will last for years.
 

Sharky1528

New member
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0
0
Location
Cincinnati
Yea
That's usually the very first thing to do.
Hopefully nothing is too bad and the spindles, etc. are in good shape.

My first one, the drums were rusted to the brake shoes.
Once off, was able to turn drums and save them.
Second trailer was just light rust and also had them turned.
Bearings toast on one, looked brand new on other trailer.
Did full bearings/races/seals and new brake shoes and cylinders when I first got mine.
Brake reservoirs also.
Upgraded to the FreeBack system and both trailers are ready for almost anything.
The piece of mind knowing exactly what you have is very comforting.

You just never know what you have until you get into it.
Use good parts and it will last for years.
Tinstar,
Where are you getting parts from ?? Do you have part numbers for the:
1. Bearings
2. Races
3. Seals
4. Shoes
5. Cylinders

Thanks,

Sharky
 

Tinstar

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I didn't take pics of the part numbers, but if you search the old threads, all the info is there.
Thats what I did.

Do not use the cheap Chinese bearings.
Use Timken or Federal-Mogul (bearings/seals)
Dexter Axle makes the shoes.
Redline does too and cylinders also.
You get what you pay for. Use the good stuff and it will last for years if you don't submarine it.
NOS master cylinders are on eBay now.
I will dig around for the receipts.
No promises

If you upgrade to the Dexter FreeBack, it will have the new brake shoes and cylinders on it already.
For about the same price too.
Check eBay
 
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