Question about trailer brake fluid

[HardHead]

I bought a 2004 triton tr186 with a matching triton trailer in Oct. After fixing up a few things on the boat, I'm on to the trailer. It has surge brakes. Manufacturers instructions say to keep the brake fluid filled to a certain level. It looks to me like its a little low. My question is two-fold:

1) Can I just add the needed amount of brake fluid to bring it to the fill line, or do I really need to billed the line out and use all new fluid? I know it's not a good idea to mix diff brake fluid types.

And

2). Does anyone know what kind of brake fluid I need? I do not have the owners manual for the trailer and I'm having problems locating the info online. I've seen it suggested to use dot 3, but I can't find it stated as fact anywhere.

Thanks in advance for any help. This site is a great resource.

[merc1997 Bo]

dot three will work fine. given the low capacity of fluid of a surge system, it would be a good idea to flush the system with new fluid. one of the jobs of brake fluid is to absorb moisture. after the fluid has reached its capacity in absorption, you brake system will begin to corrode from moisture.

even on your vehicle, you should flush your brake system on a scheduled service. the brake fluid is the life of your anti-lock brake system.

you can use a pry bar to work the trailer tongue to pump the master cylinder to push the fluid through the system to replace the fluid and bleed the system.

bo

[HardHead]

Thanks so much for the help Bo!

[5bites]

Very good advice. I could stand to do this also.

[huntest]

+1

[motoman]

Yup, Bo's spot on. Not sure what type of actuator you have? But this vid was helpful bleeding my trailer brakes. (Good explanations/close up shots and tips in just the short vid)

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