Trailer brakes help

bigeasy1 · #1 09-15-2008, 09:24 AM

Well,I'm finishing up my 23 Tsunami,and now need to replace the brakes on the trailer.
I have a couple of questions for anyone who has replaced their brakes,or did a retrofit to discs.
The trailer is a Shorelander galvanized tandem axle.

I'm basically going to only make one tow trip of 400 miles to get the boat to the lake.After that it will be only to the launch,about 1/2 mile.

****This is fresh water great lakes use only****

* Should i convert to discs?I have to change the coupler anyway,as it's shot.
* Is their a big difference in stopping power between drums and discs?
* Is it a straight foward job to change,and are ther any common problems to look out for when doing it?.

The trailer is in extremely good shape,but was left sitting in a field for about five years,someone bent the coupler,so i figure now would be the time to put a new one on,for discs,along with the free backing solenoid.
I know the lines look pretty rusted,and the bleeder valves look like they are not coming loose to easily,so i feel that's a good reason to make the changeover.

Any advice, comments,or opinions would be appreciated.Thanks all.

stoney · #2 09-15-2008, 09:43 AM

Don't even consider using drum brakes!
I changed out the drums for disc brakes and a new coupler in one day. When you are stopping you don't even know the trailer is there. Remember to put in the solenoid valve and wire it to the backup lights. Disc brakes was one of the best upgrades I've done. Do a search for disc brakes. I believe Captn Chuck has a few good words of wisdom on the install.

Capt Chuck · #3 09-15-2008, 10:21 AM

John, here is MO as I've Been There, Done That deal....

* Should i convert to discs?I have to change the coupler anyway,as it's shot.
yes, Get the Kodiac Stainless Steel disc kit.(You might get away with the 'Silver Cadmium' which is cheaper) but I would go all Stainless. It includes the Calipers, Hydraulic Lines, Rotors, Brackets & Instructions

* Is their a big difference in stopping power between drums and discs? Yes, The drum will work the first or second time out and then once it gets hot/used and then wet, it will never stop rusting. Bottom Line - They just will not last in the H2O environment, regardless if it Fresh or Salt water (Salt Worse of coarse). They don't get the daily use like your vehicle, therefore the stopping power decreases continuously.Those Auto wash connections/gimmicks don't work either on the steel drum brakes. Steel + Water = Rust = Big Problems.

* Is it a straight foward job to change,and are ther any common problems to look out for when doing it?.
yes, all instructions on "How Too" are included. It will take two people to properly "Bleed" the system and get all the air out of the lines. Be sure to have plenty of extra brake fluid. Get a small bucket too catch the fluid so you can pour it back into the Actuator. Also, You will have to get a "5 prong" wire set up on your tow vehicle & trailer for the back-up solenoid to operate. Make sure you position the mounting bracket at the correct "clock position" as instructed.

BTW: You can Goggle this kit and I think there is a "How To" Video out there

Here is Link to a discussion from Continous Wave----> Brake Discussion

Good Luck, Capt_Chuck

Old'sCool · #4 09-15-2008, 11:58 AM

Well said Capt. Chuck!!!

Do NOT use Tie-Down brand.

htillman · #5 09-15-2008, 09:08 PM

I agree, just installed Grizzly Brakes and a new actuator. They work great - just make sure the orientation of the brakes is as instructed in the manual.

bigeasy1 · #6 09-15-2008, 10:27 PM

Wow,thanks for all the help guys,it's much appreciated,looks like I'll go with discs.

JohnB · #7 09-15-2008, 10:31 PM

Capt Chuck,
What was the cost of the conversion?

Fr. Frank · #8 09-16-2008, 08:45 AM

I used Tie-down galvanized disc brakes on my Carolina Skiff trailer - used in salt water - and was extremely pleased with them. They worked great, consistantly. I bought them from Overtons. I used a hydraulic actuator, and rinsed them thoroughly after each use. No problems for the 3 1/2 years that I had the brakes on the trailer.

Stinger · #9 10-07-2008, 02:19 PM

John,
Replaced my entire brake system with the Kodiak stainless steel brakes Capt. Chuck mentioned. I was astonished at how well they stopped. Easy to install. Got mine from Portsmouth Trailer Supply, Chesapeake VA ask for Renea.
I don't have the number with me.
Called her........told her what I wanted to do, she recommended the kodiak system, took care of everything, packaged up all the necessary parts and shippped them directly to where I was working on the trailer. Can't say enough good things about them.
85 23 cc, 250 yam
name Stinger