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Braking Limits (21-1)
by Steve Horsfall
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I own a 21-foot Sea Ray
bowrider and I tow it with an older Calkins tandem-axle
trailer with surge brakes. When I initially set up the
trailer for the boat, a trailer service company suggested
my van and trailer should incorporate a load distributing
hitch system to improve the weight handling. As I am
obsessed with safety for my family and others, I complied.
Lately, I had some other work done on my trailer at
a different company and they told me the chains of load
distribution systems constrain the travel of hitch surge
brake systems, are not only illegal, but dangerous.
I find this very confusing since both companies specialize
in trailers. Your perspective would be greatly appreciated.
I. Gilson, e-mail
Generally speaking, trailers with surge brakes do not
use load distribution equalizer bars. In fact, most
boat trailers do not need the bars. Usually the axle
is positioned to provide the proper amount of tongue
weight, so the spring bars are not necessary. I like
to use the load equalization hitch on a vehicle as it
is much stronger than a bumper hitch (having four to
five mounting locations to the frame). I rarely use
spring bars unless the tongue weight is more than 350
pounds.
It’s possible the first installer felt you needed
the extra strength of the equalizer hitch but neglected
to mention setting up the trailer for proper tongue
weight so the spring bars would not be necessary.
I don't know about the legalities, but if the bars were
too tight they may impede the actuation of the brakes.
You can test this since the actuation of the trailer
brakes can be felt when gently braking with the van.
There will be a slight delay and a minor jerk that occurs
when the trailer brakes are activated.
Charge It
I have a Thundercraft 265 Temptation with a
12V Dan Foss fridge. The modulator is not working properly
and I can’t seem to get it fixed anywhere. I was
wondering if you could please tell me how to get it
fixed or where I can buy a new one at a reasonable price.
Should I just purchase a new fridge for approximately
$800? It includes a 12V and 110 AC capability.
J. Mitchell, e-mail
I have faced the same dilemma with two different models
of AC/DC units. I think replacing the fridge is a better
option. Replacement parts are hard to find and very
expensive. The rest of the components could also fail
later. I would go for the new fridge.
Chasing Manuals
I was recently given a 1977 Peterborough 24-foot
cruiser that is powered by a MerCruiser 898 outboard
drive. It came with the I/O drive service manual. Is
there a manual that has diagrams of hose connections
and fuel lines? Does the manual explain how to prepare
the boat for storage, commissioning, and how many drain
plugs there are and their locations? Does it also explain
how often the water pump should be replaced? Where can
I find this information and what is the price?
C. Carrier, e-mail
To purchase an owner's manual or a shop manual just
take the serial number of the engine and sterndrive
to any MerCruiser dealer. Also, be sure to note the
size of the engine (188 hp). Delivery is usually less
than two weeks. The owner's manual will provide most
of the information you require. However, the shop manual
will have a lot more information, especially if you
plan on doing most of the service yourself.
Got a question, a problem? Send inquiries to Steve
Horsfall at info@powerboating.com.
Fax: 905-624-6764. (Page
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