Atwood Surge Brake System

[Lakenut]

I have a Trailers by Dorsey trailer under my SLXi. It has an Atwood Hydraulic Surge Brake System. Last night I went to unhook the trailer and I couldn't get the actuator ( I think that is what it is called) to let go of the tow ball. The release handle was in the up (unlocked) position. After about 10 minutes of messing with the thing, I got the hitch to release. Now the acutaor is not lifted when I raise the release handle therefor I can't put the trailer back onto the tow ball.

Any advice? It was dark last night and I didn't have time to mess with the hitch.

[Baddog]

They seem to be a pain in the butt all the time. When I un hook mine I have to back up, set the parking brake, chock the wheels, release the truck brake and then it pops right off. I think the tolerance is just real tight and you have to have the ball centered in the "cup" before it will come of easily. Could lube the ball or coupling but htne you have a lubed ball and coupling to get you real messy.

[JDubya]

I have had this problem several times. the best solution is a can of WD-40 and a crow bar or large screwdriver. The acutator just gets stuck, you have to keep it lubed now and then.

Let us know if that doesn't do the trick. If that doesn't work get 2 people to stand on the tounge and bang up on the front edge of the acutator.

[Lakenut]

What do ya know. The WD did the trick. Part of the problem was I towed with a different vehicle and the ball was lower than the ball on my truck. It was at just the right angle to hang up and not release.

Gotta love this site!

[JDubya]

What do ya know. The WD did the trick. Part of the problem was I towed with a different vehicle and the ball was lower than the ball on my truck. It was at just the right angle to hang up and not release.

Gotta love this site!

Oh Yeah!