Amazing Mishap with RV

[rmkrum]

Surge brake systems (U-haul being an example) have a big spring released by the breakaway cable that puts the brakes full on in an emergency. Don't know if European systems are similar, but they probably are...

[KK4YZ]

Originally Posted by Protagonist

If I remember correctly— it has been half a lifetime since I used a trailer with surge brakes— surge brakes rely on the trailer moving faster than the hitch in order to activate them— such as when the tow vehicle slows and inertia causes the trailer to keep moving forward. So in a breakaway, they work when the trailer is moving forward and the tongue drags. When the trailer is moving backwards as in this example, no braking force would be applied.

I recall renting a UHaul ( or something similar)years ago that had surge brakes. It operates as you say. Additionally If I remember correctly there's a lanyard that is connected to a lever on the surge brake system. In a breakaway situation the lever gets pulled by the lanyard. That lever actuates the hydraulic brake system for emergency stopping.