The company was quick to respond. According to them the exhaust brake wouldn't provide enough pressure on the surge to engage it. I will also only be running 3,000 pounds under the max capacity if that has an affect. There is also adjustment on the cable. I think when I get it set up I will clip a go pro on the hitch so I can see what it does under different conditions.
I used to have a surge brake on our Mastercraft boat trailer. Never had an issue but didn't pull it around in the mountains much. I guess like most things quality varies as well.