Hi Matt,

You probably don't want to hear this, but it is
my opinion and I'm sure everyone else with surge brakes
is going to hate me too, but here goes.
GET RID OF THE SURGE BRAKES. Replace them with electric
ones, with a GOOD brake controller like a Tekonsha
Prodigy or an equivalent.

This is the same advice I have heard from several trailer shops. They said
they don't even sell surge brakes anymore because of customer complaints.
The replacement involves a new axle with electric brakes and the tow vehicle
controller. I'd guess about $1200.

Bill Daniels