Hope this isn't too OT, but Hell, everybody needs a car hauler trailer at times. So I don't think that it's all that OT! Found a fair buy on an old ex-Uhaul car trailer, only problem is that the thing has sat outside in the weather for years and rain has gotten thru the vent on the master cylinder for the surge brakes and the master cylinder is full of water. I'm thinking new master cylinder and wheel cylinders at a minimum. Anybody got any ideas on where to look for parts for one of these old trailers??????? Dave
Deve, look for "Redneck Trailer Supply". They are around the country so their website will give you the closest to you. If you have trouble call "Springfield Brake" in Springfield Missouri. Good luck, Bob
You're better off ripping all that stuff out and just go full electric brakes. When i did my trailer, it was around $250 an axle. Thats for drums, backing plates, and bearings.
I would keep the surge brakes. U-haul used them for a reason. They work well and the tow vehicle does not need any special equipment.
U Haul has an ebay store ... They have been selling new ' old stock ' parts for their trucks and trailers to clear out inventory for a while now Jim
My Dad has an old car trailer with surge brakes. The master cylinder is the same as an early sixties Ford single cylinder.
I'm with Johnny B. Electric brakes are better and safer. The only reason they used surge brakes was because it simplified the rentals, the renters did not have brake controllers. New axles with brakes and bearings are also a better buy and easier than fixing the old shit. You should be able to find them cheaper than $250 an axle too.
Change it to electric! U-haul doesn't use surge brakes because they are a better choice, they use them because they work on any rig. Try backing down a steep gravel drive with those surge brakes. You don't have the "surge" going in the right direction to activate the brakes and the trailer will drag you.
I know this is old. Although I also have a u haul trailer. Where can I find electric brakes that fit with out being modified?? Thank you
no need to modify simply change the backing plates they usually come with magnets shoes etc. then run wires.they come in 10 or 12 inch
If it was mine I would look into buying new axles complete with springs, brakes, and all. You can specify any width, spring length, number of leaves you need. Last time I looked complete axle assembly was about $250, brakes only about $100. Both are common trailer supply items.
Dave,,, which ever way you go if you are still looking: atlanta brake and clutch in doraville, just off I-85 north.
I was under the impression that U-Haul did not sell their trailers, only their trucks. I was told many years ago that they actually cut the trailers up for scrap to avoid liability issues. You learn something new every day!
etrailer.com They sell complete backing plates kits. Surge is fine as long as you don’t let it sit for long periods, just like a car. Really think how your going to use it, you might be better off with electric.
Another vote for electric brakes. Just make sure you get a good brake controller. I had good luck with Tekonsha controllers. Easy install and straight forward adjustments. That is unless you have a newer truck with a built in controller from the factory. JMO.
You guys must get trailer brakes and axles a lot cheaper than I can find them. My boat trailer has surge brakes and I wouldn't have it any other way. That rig with the 25 ft cruiser on it stops great and there is a pin to put in to keep the brakes from grabbing when you back up. There are a lot of surge brake parts on the net if you hunt a bit. I want to swap the home made (use Dodge spindles and brakes) axles that came with my trailer for 3500 lb axles with electric brakes and I am looking at just short of 800 bucks to do it. I think the trailer was probably a high school ag shop project here in the valley back in the 90's as I remember seeing the jig to set up axles in one of the High school AG shops I visited at one time. Trailer tows great and tows straight but no working brakes and I am afraid of the usable weight limit on it.
I've had trailers with electric brakes, but currently I have a tow dolly with surge brakes. I believe I like the surge brakes better. You can buy repair parts Pacific Trailers. https://www.pacifictrailers.com/collections/brakes-and-parts
Looking at the U-Haul web site, they scrap the smaller trailers. I have seen auto transport trailers for sale in the big U-Haul lot south of Phoenix, AZ. After some Googling, found one for sale in Grand Junction, CO for under $1,300. https://trucksales.uhaul.com/Locations/Results?postal=86535&sid=935071&search=SearchResults
Bought a “used” Uhaul trailer years ago. You could see the faint logo under the fresher paint. First time a Uhaul “detective” saw it they repossessed it. Said that they never sell trailers. When I went back to the sellers they said it was their son’s but gave me my money back thank goodness.
The last picture on the link in Post # 21 above. NOT u-haul property. with what appears to be a document or property number,
The reason they use surge brakes is not everyone has an electric brake controller. That is the only reason according to a U-Haul executive that I know.
If they do not sell them why would they even put that tag on? That says that it was but no longer because it has been legally sold.
Did you read post #21? They scrap the smaller trailers. In you follow the link provided, the larger auto transport trailer is for sale. A picture of the "NOT u-haul property" tag appears in this link. That is a real U-haul dealer in Grand Junction, CO - I actually returned a U-haul rental truck to that location in June, 2019.
$1300 for that worn out piece of junk? Damn, for about $700 more you can get a brand new, 18' with dove tail with two 3500 lb axles with electric brakes!
I must admit to being a fan of surge brakes, preferably hydraulic not cable. It doesn't matter which tow vehicle I use I know they'll work and how many times have you seen some numb-nut wizzing down the highway with the electrical plug and wiring dragging along the pavement. Electric brakes won't help you then.
If you have electric brakes your sorry ass BIL won't be able to borrow it because he doesn't have a controller. Just a thought.
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