Trailer brake questions
 

The drum hubs Heritage put/puts on their trailers are kinda bastards in the brake world. For just a few bucks more I can upgrade to disc brakes. My question is do I put the discs on all 3 axles or just two?

all 3

On a 29' boat, I would probably put brakes on 2 axles. I doubt if 3 is really necessary. My 24 footer has brakes on 1 axle and stops like a dream.

The other upgrade that you've probably read about is the electric/hydraulic conversion. WELL worth whatever the cost is to do it while you are changing out the brakes. It makes it stop like its own vehicle and doesn't feel like it ever puts any braking load on the truck. If you're not familiar with it, do a search in the trailer forum. Best thing ever for a trailer!

2 is enough, 3 if you want but I think it is not warrented. I think some states require all 3......

Yes, more and more states are requiring each axle to have brakes.

Having said that, most states have speed limits that are routinely ignored by millions of motorists each day too. I wouldn't do it in fear of getting a ticket, I'd do it for the cheap peace-of-mind and the better performance.

In Maryland, brakes are required on all trailers over 3001lbs, on at least one axle. Over 10001lbs, brakes on all axles is the requirement.

For your needs, 2 axle is all that is needed. And go with the EOH system. BrakeRite has a great system. Make sure you get the proper setup for disc brakes. They use a higher pressure than drum systems.

Just buy a Myco Jason. I dont want sub-par equipment behind me when i am towing it to the keys next year.

:party-smiley-004:

If you are in a state that allows it, I would leave the brakes OFF of the rearmost axle. I've had a trailer "come around me" once due to the brakes locking up on a steep, wet, slick downhill road. Was a narrow road and a car pulled out in front of me and panicked. Truck was chattering on the ABS and the trailer started coming around. I was on the horn and motioning the car to come on out and get out of the way. I tried to let off the brakes to let the trailer straighten up but there wasn't enough room. We all stopped ok, but the trailer was jack knifed. If there had been a set of wheels with no brakes, we'd have stopped straight.

This is about the only circumstance that doesn't give the advantage to brakes on all axles. If you don't plan on being on a slick downhill with people pulling out on you, then brakes on all 3 is fine.

I never thought of that...... Good to have your advice again!

Exellent point !!

My suspension is set up such that when no boat is on the trailer, the axle with the brakes is not on the ground. I assume this is by design as it will eliminate any brake locking or chatter when the trailer is empty.

I think Florida reqr brakes on all axles too for anything over 3500#. I have a small boat 4500# and have tandem stainless disks, if I had the trailer to do over gain would go with. But I have brake issues, I love brakes. I figure brake upgrades cost same as my dectuctible and less hassle.

Recently, I was driving down the road towing my boat. On the trailer its about 8K total. A deer ran out in front of me and I mashed the brakes and slowed enough to avoid killing Bambi. I have discs on both axles. It was expensive but WORTH it.

My question for YOU is did you have to re-arrange the cans of baked beans and OTHER canned goods that spilled in the cabin:evilb:,that Char INSISTED on bringing with you,your buddy-Smitty

I have disc brakes on one axle . If I want to add brakes to the other axle also will the master need to be changed ? Will it pump enough fluid for 4 calipers instead of just 2 ?

Same coupler, you can just tee off the line and add the additional axle's brakes.