Weird brake attachment

[J33pman]

Hi, I picked up a 62 C10 as a parts truck, and I plan to convert it to a trailer once I pick it for my 63 C10.

I noticed something odd attached to the rear brake line on the right side--apparently a former owner tapped into the brake line and ran a splitter off of the line. The flexible line continues to the axle, but another solid line runs under where the bed was and exits right above the license plate. There it turns back into flexible line with a coupler. Apparently this was a farm truck and he pulled something that utilized the braking system of the truck.

I'm wondering what its correct nomenclature is, where I could get this item, and whether I could use a setup like this to utilize the existing drums on the trailer via the braking system of the pulling truck to have trailer brakes.

Thanks!

[jdl71]

Most if not all trailer brakes now are electric thus avoiding tapping into the hydraulic system. I know what you are asking, and I would say the short answer is no. Aside from the safety aspect, I don't know where you would find the fittings needed to connect and disconnect the second hydraulic system and how you would compensate for the extra fluid capacity needed when using the trailer. If you are going to turn that truck bed into a trailer you would really be better off putting an actual trailer axle under and eliminate the c clip issue with the existing axle as well as gaining electric brakes.

However it looks a lot like some past owner did exactly what you are wanting to do. I know some time ago brake controllers actually tapped into the lines but I did not think that has been done since the 70's or 80's.

[Captainfab]

If you really want to keep hydraulic brakes on your trailer, look into a surge brake coupler. They are/were common on boat trailers. The problem with those is that they apply the brakes when you are backing up, unless you manually install a lock pin. Electric brakes is the best way to go in my opinion also.

http://www.easternmarine.com/em_store/trailerbrakes/