Mechanical Damper

• All trailer surge brake systems have a mechanical damping system. Most of these work by inserting a pin in the actuator, which prevents the mechanism from compressing and applying the brakes. On some systems, this is the only way to dampen the brakes; on others, the mechanical system is a back up to the electric damping system.
  
  

Electric Damping

• An electric damping system works by opening a valve on the hydraulic system in the actuator, which stops hydraulic pressure from going into the brake lines leading to the wheels any time the tow vehicle is shifted into reverse gear. Most boat owners prefer this setup because it's automatic and doesn't require getting in and out of the vehicle to engage.
  
  

Warning

• When using a mechanical system, the driver needs to remember to remove the dampening pin prior to heading out on the road. Electric damping systems may not work or work erratically when driving down steep hills.