Trailer: Service Life of Surge Brake Coupler

  ContinuousWave
  Whaler
  Moderated Discussion Areas
  ContinuousWave: The Whaler GAM or General Area
  Trailer: Service Life of Surge Brake Coupler

search | FAQ | profile | register | author help

Author Topic:   Trailer: Service Life of Surge Brake Coupler

jimh posted 08-14-2012 09:57 PM ET (US)
The Titan-Dico Model 6 surge brake coupler-actuator owner's manual contains the following statement:
"Surge actuators of this type provide a service life of approximately five years with proper installation, usage, and maintenance. However, a well cared-for actuator can often exceed this estimate."
Since my Dico Model 6 surge brake coupler-actuator is probably original with the 1992 trailer, it is now 20-years-old. It has thus exceeded the manufacturer's anticipated useful lifespan by a factor of four.
I have been considering replacing my 20-year-old surge brake coupler actuator, based in part on the notion it only had a five year service life as the manufacturer suggests, and also on the observation that the coupler locking mechanism seems to have become reluctant to disengage from the hitch ball at times. This symptom may have been brought on by having my trailer moved by a high-low fork truck with the wrong size hitch ball; this may have distorted the hitch ball socket or bent the locking mechanism. I also notice that the damper on the moving mechanism is not particularly good.
I am interested in comments about the manufacturer's five-year service life estimate. I think this may be a very conservative estimate. Since my trailer is only being towed a few days each year, it does not accumulate a "year's worth" of service in a calendar year.
Cf: http://www.championtrailers.com/TDMO6MANUAL.pdf --page 1.
wezie posted 08-15-2012 09:07 AM ET (US)
You most likely need to replace it. Metal wears, fatigues, and just looks bad.
Without expensive testing, we cannot determine the condition of the metal.
So, we replace it with China Crap, because of a disclaimer placed by the mfg. to protect themslves from sheister lawsuits over 25 year old products that may have been stored in salt water, or just overloaded for years.
We replace it with a product designed on a computer to the very minimum strength, using the least steel so it will be lighter to ship, and cheaper.
With a product manufactured by folks that will never use one or see them again.
Mostly, because of the lawsuit game, you have now been put on notice that your stuff needs replacing, so you are now a target.
Get your hack saw and go at it.
Jefecinco posted 08-15-2012 10:09 AM ET (US)
It's difficult for me to believe a coupler would last only five years in even the worst type of service. Damage is the only thing I can imagine would reduce service life to five years.
I tend to keep my boats and trailers for an average of about 20 years. If a five year couple service life was my expectation I would shift to a pintle type hitch. By pintle type I mean the type in which the coupler is a doughnut shape and it is engaged by another doughnut shaped receiver mounted to the tow vehicle. Other than fifth wheel hitches this is the usual trailer towing hitch system used by the military. I've never seen one fail though they can be damaged with enough effort and force. They are also exceptionally easy to use.
Butch
contender posted 08-15-2012 10:26 AM ET (US)
I have to agree with Wezie & Jefecinco: The 5 year deal is to protect the company from law suits and the product its self. These things should last 20 plus years if not damaged.
jimh posted 08-15-2012 03:30 PM ET (US)
I do not have a copy of the original instructions which came with the Dico Model 6 coupler that was installed on my trailer in 1992. It would be interesting to see if those instructions printed in 1992 also contain a notice that the manufacturer's recommended service life is five years. My inclination is to doubt that such a warning was included in 1992.
Does anyone have a printed copy of the instructions for a Dico surge brake coupler from 20-years ago? Check to see if they caution about the five year service life.
jimh posted 08-15-2012 03:39 PM ET (US)
The five-year service life concern aside, I think 20 years of intermittent road service is a reasonable life span. My boating habits tend to require long trailer pulls. For example, this year we have taken three long trips where we pulled the trailer distances of 600, 1,300, and 700-miles. There have also been several shorter local trips. I would characterize this year as typical, and estimate the average trailer use at about 3,500-miles per year. I have had the boat for about eight years, so perhaps I have towed the trailer 30,000-miles. Prior to my ownership, I think the boat was a garage queen, and the trailer probably saw very little of the highway. I don't think a replacement of the surge brake coupler at this point is an excessive burden.
ASIDE: I passed an ugly traffic accident on the way to work this morning. A restored classic car was on the road side, pointing in the wrong direction, there was an empty car trailer that I believe was still hitched to a pick-up truck, also pointing in the wrong direction, and a third card pointing in the right direction. All three vehicles had signs of dents and damage. I suspect the trailer jack-knifed and the classic car came off. The car was probably being towed to this weekend's DREAM CRUISE on Woodward Avenue. I felt sorry for the owner of the restored classic car; it looked like it would need a second restoration. The accident is a good reminder of the value of trailer hold-down straps for your boat.
russellbailey posted 08-16-2012 12:39 PM ET (US)
As jimh is aware earlier this year I replaced the Dico Model 10 coupler on the 10,000 lb Continental galvanized trailer used to carry our Outrage 25. The trailer is a 2002 and the coupler was replaced in 2012, so a 10 year life span.
I don't know how much the prior owner towed with it (having bought it in 2010) but the tires were noticeably worn, which takes some usage. I tow it 2,000-5,000 miles a year. The rolling weight is in the 7,000-8,000 lb range depending on fuel and gear.
At replacement the sliding mechanism had become noticeably sloppy. It still worked but noticeably different than a new one. Also the master cylinder had started to leak some - it would lose a little bit of fluid over time (I know it was not the rest of the system as I lose no fluid since I switched to a new actuator). And probably like jimh's trailer the coupler locking mechanism was noticeably worn.
When I was having trailer work done at Portsmouth Trailer, a big specialty trailer dealer near Norfolk VA, a big Grady White on a triple axle trailer was having its Dico Model 20 actuator replaced. It was in the 10 or so year range also. The mechanic noted my Dico 10 was worn but did not yet require replacement. [As an aside I wish they were closer to me, as they are very knowledgable on boat trailers]. If you could find a mechanic who is knowledgable on surge couplers [not so easy to do] I expect that person could offer good input on your specific coupler.
lakeman posted 08-16-2012 08:22 PM ET (US)
From my experience, if you convert the normal brake fluid to synthetic, the actuator will last longer. This is due to the synthetic will not attract or absorb water, thus rusting out internal parts. But 20 years in Michigan must be different than five years in Florida. Wow--what a record life.
Jefecinco posted 08-17-2012 10:31 AM ET (US)
If you have an older hydraulic brake system on your boat trailer it may be prudent to check with the master cylinder manufacturer before converting to synthetic brake fluid. I doubt that every master cylinder is suited for the current generation of synthetic brake fluid.
Completely converting requires the removal of virtually all the old fluid. This is difficult to accomplish on your driveway. Many, if not most, automotive repair shops have a brake fluid recycler with which they can remove your old fluid and install the new. The last time I had this done the price was reasonable.
Using a recycler may help to ensure all traces of water and rust are removed before installing the new fluid. Unless all the old fluid, water and loose rust are removed you may as well not change the fluid.
Recycling boat trailer brake fluid every couple of years is a prudent preventive maintenance procedure.
Butch
gnr posted 08-17-2012 10:58 AM ET (US)
A vacuum pump makes changing your blake fluid pretty easy. They are inexpensive and many of the chain automotive stores have loaner programs which make them available for no cost.
tmann45 posted 08-17-2012 01:07 PM ET (US)
All brake fluid is synthetic, the recent "synthetic" labeling (last 10-years or so) is just a marketing ploy. All of the glycol based fluids (DOT 3, 4, 5.1) whether marked synthetic or not, can be mixed without dire consequences, but best not to do it, stick with the recommended fluid. DOT 5 fluid is silicone based and should not be mixed with any glycol based fluid.
Jefecinco posted 08-17-2012 05:56 PM ET (US)
Tmann--Thanks for that tip.

Hop to:

Contact Us | RETURN to ContinuousWave Top Page

Powered by: Ultimate Bulletin Board, Freeware Version 2000
Purchase our Licensed Version- which adds many more features!
© Infopop Corporation (formerly Madrona Park, Inc.), 1998 - 2000.

Author	Topic: Trailer: Service Life of Surge Brake Coupler
jimh	posted 08-14-2012 09:57 PM ET (US) The Titan-Dico Model 6 surge brake coupler-actuator owner's manual contains the following statement: "Surge actuators of this type provide a service life of approximately five years with proper installation, usage, and maintenance. However, a well cared-for actuator can often exceed this estimate." Since my Dico Model 6 surge brake coupler-actuator is probably original with the 1992 trailer, it is now 20-years-old. It has thus exceeded the manufacturer's anticipated useful lifespan by a factor of four. I have been considering replacing my 20-year-old surge brake coupler actuator, based in part on the notion it only had a five year service life as the manufacturer suggests, and also on the observation that the coupler locking mechanism seems to have become reluctant to disengage from the hitch ball at times. This symptom may have been brought on by having my trailer moved by a high-low fork truck with the wrong size hitch ball; this may have distorted the hitch ball socket or bent the locking mechanism. I also notice that the damper on the moving mechanism is not particularly good. I am interested in comments about the manufacturer's five-year service life estimate. I think this may be a very conservative estimate. Since my trailer is only being towed a few days each year, it does not accumulate a "year's worth" of service in a calendar year. Cf: http://www.championtrailers.com/TDMO6MANUAL.pdf --page 1.
wezie	posted 08-15-2012 09:07 AM ET (US) You most likely need to replace it. Metal wears, fatigues, and just looks bad. Without expensive testing, we cannot determine the condition of the metal. So, we replace it with China Crap, because of a disclaimer placed by the mfg. to protect themslves from sheister lawsuits over 25 year old products that may have been stored in salt water, or just overloaded for years. We replace it with a product designed on a computer to the very minimum strength, using the least steel so it will be lighter to ship, and cheaper. With a product manufactured by folks that will never use one or see them again. Mostly, because of the lawsuit game, you have now been put on notice that your stuff needs replacing, so you are now a target. Get your hack saw and go at it.
Jefecinco	posted 08-15-2012 10:09 AM ET (US) It's difficult for me to believe a coupler would last only five years in even the worst type of service. Damage is the only thing I can imagine would reduce service life to five years. I tend to keep my boats and trailers for an average of about 20 years. If a five year couple service life was my expectation I would shift to a pintle type hitch. By pintle type I mean the type in which the coupler is a doughnut shape and it is engaged by another doughnut shaped receiver mounted to the tow vehicle. Other than fifth wheel hitches this is the usual trailer towing hitch system used by the military. I've never seen one fail though they can be damaged with enough effort and force. They are also exceptionally easy to use. Butch
contender	posted 08-15-2012 10:26 AM ET (US) I have to agree with Wezie & Jefecinco: The 5 year deal is to protect the company from law suits and the product its self. These things should last 20 plus years if not damaged.
jimh	posted 08-15-2012 03:30 PM ET (US) I do not have a copy of the original instructions which came with the Dico Model 6 coupler that was installed on my trailer in 1992. It would be interesting to see if those instructions printed in 1992 also contain a notice that the manufacturer's recommended service life is five years. My inclination is to doubt that such a warning was included in 1992. Does anyone have a printed copy of the instructions for a Dico surge brake coupler from 20-years ago? Check to see if they caution about the five year service life.
jimh	posted 08-15-2012 03:39 PM ET (US) The five-year service life concern aside, I think 20 years of intermittent road service is a reasonable life span. My boating habits tend to require long trailer pulls. For example, this year we have taken three long trips where we pulled the trailer distances of 600, 1,300, and 700-miles. There have also been several shorter local trips. I would characterize this year as typical, and estimate the average trailer use at about 3,500-miles per year. I have had the boat for about eight years, so perhaps I have towed the trailer 30,000-miles. Prior to my ownership, I think the boat was a garage queen, and the trailer probably saw very little of the highway. I don't think a replacement of the surge brake coupler at this point is an excessive burden. ASIDE: I passed an ugly traffic accident on the way to work this morning. A restored classic car was on the road side, pointing in the wrong direction, there was an empty car trailer that I believe was still hitched to a pick-up truck, also pointing in the wrong direction, and a third card pointing in the right direction. All three vehicles had signs of dents and damage. I suspect the trailer jack-knifed and the classic car came off. The car was probably being towed to this weekend's DREAM CRUISE on Woodward Avenue. I felt sorry for the owner of the restored classic car; it looked like it would need a second restoration. The accident is a good reminder of the value of trailer hold-down straps for your boat.
russellbailey	posted 08-16-2012 12:39 PM ET (US) As jimh is aware earlier this year I replaced the Dico Model 10 coupler on the 10,000 lb Continental galvanized trailer used to carry our Outrage 25. The trailer is a 2002 and the coupler was replaced in 2012, so a 10 year life span. I don't know how much the prior owner towed with it (having bought it in 2010) but the tires were noticeably worn, which takes some usage. I tow it 2,000-5,000 miles a year. The rolling weight is in the 7,000-8,000 lb range depending on fuel and gear. At replacement the sliding mechanism had become noticeably sloppy. It still worked but noticeably different than a new one. Also the master cylinder had started to leak some - it would lose a little bit of fluid over time (I know it was not the rest of the system as I lose no fluid since I switched to a new actuator). And probably like jimh's trailer the coupler locking mechanism was noticeably worn. When I was having trailer work done at Portsmouth Trailer, a big specialty trailer dealer near Norfolk VA, a big Grady White on a triple axle trailer was having its Dico Model 20 actuator replaced. It was in the 10 or so year range also. The mechanic noted my Dico 10 was worn but did not yet require replacement. [As an aside I wish they were closer to me, as they are very knowledgable on boat trailers]. If you could find a mechanic who is knowledgable on surge couplers [not so easy to do] I expect that person could offer good input on your specific coupler.
lakeman	posted 08-16-2012 08:22 PM ET (US) From my experience, if you convert the normal brake fluid to synthetic, the actuator will last longer. This is due to the synthetic will not attract or absorb water, thus rusting out internal parts. But 20 years in Michigan must be different than five years in Florida. Wow--what a record life.
Jefecinco	posted 08-17-2012 10:31 AM ET (US) If you have an older hydraulic brake system on your boat trailer it may be prudent to check with the master cylinder manufacturer before converting to synthetic brake fluid. I doubt that every master cylinder is suited for the current generation of synthetic brake fluid. Completely converting requires the removal of virtually all the old fluid. This is difficult to accomplish on your driveway. Many, if not most, automotive repair shops have a brake fluid recycler with which they can remove your old fluid and install the new. The last time I had this done the price was reasonable. Using a recycler may help to ensure all traces of water and rust are removed before installing the new fluid. Unless all the old fluid, water and loose rust are removed you may as well not change the fluid. Recycling boat trailer brake fluid every couple of years is a prudent preventive maintenance procedure. Butch
gnr	posted 08-17-2012 10:58 AM ET (US) A vacuum pump makes changing your blake fluid pretty easy. They are inexpensive and many of the chain automotive stores have loaner programs which make them available for no cost.
tmann45	posted 08-17-2012 01:07 PM ET (US) All brake fluid is synthetic, the recent "synthetic" labeling (last 10-years or so) is just a marketing ploy. All of the glycol based fluids (DOT 3, 4, 5.1) whether marked synthetic or not, can be mixed without dire consequences, but best not to do it, stick with the recommended fluid. DOT 5 fluid is silicone based and should not be mixed with any glycol based fluid.
Jefecinco	posted 08-17-2012 05:56 PM ET (US) Tmann--Thanks for that tip.