Question on trailer brake conversion
02-11-2013 | 08:15 AM
#11
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From: Thousand Islands area
Just a FYI. Not sure what you are using for a tow vehicle but you may want to check out its breaks also.
I have hydraulic drum breaks on my Nova 24's trailer that I got the whole set up from the trailer parts super store. http://www.easternmarine.com/ But ......., I also upgraded my trucks breaks pads and added drilled / slotted disc rotorers for heat. Try finding slotted disc's for a Chevy van. lol. My truck now will stop on a dime without breaks on the trailer (I've got a couple other boat trailers, not as big that don't have breaks at all). They are so good you have to be careful when not towing cause they will throw you through the windshield if you stomp on them.
Don't depend on trailer breaks alone. Even the best trailer set up is still going to push your truck in a hard stop and most vehicle brake bias are already 75 front 25 rear. Thats an insane amount force on the front brakes and a stock set up is not up to the task.
I have hydraulic drum breaks on my Nova 24's trailer that I got the whole set up from the trailer parts super store. http://www.easternmarine.com/ But ......., I also upgraded my trucks breaks pads and added drilled / slotted disc rotorers for heat. Try finding slotted disc's for a Chevy van. lol. My truck now will stop on a dime without breaks on the trailer (I've got a couple other boat trailers, not as big that don't have breaks at all). They are so good you have to be careful when not towing cause they will throw you through the windshield if you stomp on them.
Don't depend on trailer breaks alone. Even the best trailer set up is still going to push your truck in a hard stop and most vehicle brake bias are already 75 front 25 rear. Thats an insane amount force on the front brakes and a stock set up is not up to the task.
My truck is 18 months old with 18k on it, so brakes are fine. Trailer brakes work ok, its just time to replace them with something easier to work on.
02-11-2013 | 10:58 AM
#12
Ginger or Mary Ann?
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When setup correctly, your truck won't even know there's a trailer behind it when stopping under every condition. Best thing since sliced bread
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02-11-2013 | 11:12 AM
#13
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The biggest problem I see with trailer brakes is few people let them cool down before they back them into the water. And if I could get 22 years out of a set of trailer brakes I would be staying with exactly the same thing for another 22 years. 
02-13-2013 | 09:54 PM
#14
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From: Winchester, TN
several ways to skin a cat. drums with upkeep work fine. disc w/surge work great. I just built a 34 gooseneck 2 car trailer with disc and a dexter k 650 00 electric/hydro actuator. with 2 cars on the trailer it will out stop my superduty unloaded. I tow with it weekly and changing a set of pads is better for me than dealing with drum's shoes. It may all depend on the amount of miles you put on your trailer.
trailer brakes do not have to work OK, they CAN work very well it just depends on your setup
trailer brakes do not have to work OK, they CAN work very well it just depends on your setup
Last edited by 1fastlx; 02-13-2013 at 09:59 PM. Reason: just a thought
02-14-2013 | 11:53 AM
#15
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From: Thousand Islands area
I tow weekly but enough to make getting disc necessarily. But I need to replace one side and my as well do the others and for a few extra bucks makes it easier to maintain.
Anybody switch over was it hard to do any good websites.
Anybody switch over was it hard to do any good websites.
02-14-2013 | 12:42 PM
#16
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http://championtrailers.com/techsup.html has a fair amount of info to share.
When I overhauled my Rocket trailer, I bought many of the parts from them. I bought my brakes direct from Kodiak.
When I overhauled my Rocket trailer, I bought many of the parts from them. I bought my brakes direct from Kodiak.
02-14-2013 | 12:44 PM
#17
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From: Raystown Lake , Pa.
Just don't try and rush the job and pay attention to the details . My Kodiak kits had detailed instructions with them . I also changed over to DOT 5 brake fluid because it attracts O moisture . Lots of info here and also where i purchased mine : http://www.easternmarine.com/em_stor...rakes_hyd.html
Last edited by the deep; 02-14-2013 at 12:57 PM.
02-14-2013 | 01:33 PM
#19
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From: Canyon Lake/ Houston, TX
You Tube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1i4rDFXVe0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKyTNJUs_fs
http://www.etrailer.com/tv-install-t...k-k2hr35d.aspx
This should get you started.
EOH are awesome, did mine last April.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKyTNJUs_fs
http://www.etrailer.com/tv-install-t...k-k2hr35d.aspx
This should get you started.
EOH are awesome, did mine last April.
02-14-2013 | 02:10 PM
#20
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From: Thousand Islands area
thanks guys looks to be simple bolt on. EOH sounds nice but surge works fine and dont really want to spend the dough on something I dont need right now. Plus the boat I have I dont know the time frame I am going to be owning anymore. Its a 91 but is like new and realistically could keep it another 10 years but probably not realuty
