Page 42 - Lady Bass Digital Magazine Classic 2022

Tips for Regular Maintenance

Part 3: Trailer Brake Fluid

I find that the most overlooked thing on your boat trail-
er, aside from the bunk boards is the brake fluid. This is
something that should be checked before every trip or at
least every other trip. On my trailer, there is a black cap
on top of the surge brake assembly. Use a small flathead
screwdriver to gently pry it off. It should be filled to the
top. If not, top it off with Dot 3 or 4 brake fluid, depending Place the screwdriver in the opening against the pushrod.
on the manufacturer requirements. This is usually stamped While pumping the pushrod, pour brake fluid into the
on the surge brake assembly. Replace the cap and you are funnel making sure to keep the reservoir full. The person
good to go. Keeping this topped off also helps keep water at the back should see fluid flowing into the bottle. Con-
from getting in the system. tinue until there are no bubbles coming out into the bottle.
The person at the back will use the open-end wrench to
close off the brake line cert. The person at the front will
make sure the reservoir is completely full and replace the
brake cap on the tongue.

The next item to check is the emergency breakaway ca-
ble. There is a small bulb or indictor bead just inside the
tongue along the cable. This indicator bead is held in place
by a breakaway clip.
If the system is dry or extremely low, you will need some-
one to help you with flushing and refilling the system.

The materials needed include the brake fluid, a long flat
head screwdriver, an open-end wrench, a small funnel, a
piece of clear tubing and a 16-ounce clear bottle.

At the back of the boat, you will need the open-end
wrench, clear tubing, and the 16-ounce clear bottle. At
the front of the boat, you will need the large bottle of
brake fluid, funnel, and the long flat head screwdriver. The If that indicator bead is outside of the tongue, the brak-
person at the back of the boat will open the brake line and ing system must be reset before the next trip. To reset the
attach the clear tubing onto the cert. The other end of the braking system, take a long flat head screwdriver in the
tubing will go into the clear bottle. The person at the front round opening behind the “L” shaped lever and against the
will open the brake fluid cover on the tongue and place the pushrod. Press the release lever while prying on the stuck
funnel in the opening. push rod toe release the brakes.

On the bottom side of the tongue is an opening behind an
“L” shaped lever where the pushrod is located.

HIPP’S MARINE

Swww.shippsmarine.com SINCE 1955

40 Lady Bass Anglers Association
Maintenance Tips- Part 3: Brake Fluid