Go Back  Offshoreonly.com > Technical > General Q & A
Trailer brake questions >

Trailer brake questions

Notices

Trailer brake questions

Old 09-15-2008, 09:43 PM
  #1  
Registered
Thread Starter
 
JasonSmith's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: USA
Posts: 4,333
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default 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?
JasonSmith is offline  
Old 09-15-2008, 09:50 PM
  #2  
Registered
 
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

all 3
poolshrk is offline  
Old 09-15-2008, 09:50 PM
  #3  
Registered
 
jayhawk261's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Tulsa, OK
Posts: 1,729
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

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!
jayhawk261 is offline  
Old 09-15-2008, 10:02 PM
  #4  
Registered
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Solana Beach,CA
Posts: 897
Likes: 0
Received 54 Likes on 38 Posts
Default

2 is enough, 3 if you want but I think it is not warrented. I think some states require all 3......
fossil fuel is offline  
Old 09-16-2008, 05:52 AM
  #5  
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 9,495
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

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.
Chris Sunkin is offline  
Old 09-16-2008, 06:19 AM
  #6  
Registered
 
scottc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: edgewater,md.usa
Posts: 841
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

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.
scottc is offline  
Old 09-16-2008, 06:52 AM
  #7  
Registered
 
BDiggity's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Palm Bay FL
Posts: 1,801
Received 33 Likes on 24 Posts
Default

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

BDiggity is offline  
Old 09-16-2008, 07:46 AM
  #8  
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
 
mcollinstn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: tn
Posts: 5,752
Received 133 Likes on 82 Posts
Default

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.
mcollinstn is offline  
Old 09-16-2008, 08:31 AM
  #9  
Registered
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: MT. JULIET, TN.
Posts: 3,710
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Default

Originally Posted by mcollinstn
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!
kennyo is offline  
Old 09-16-2008, 09:24 AM
  #10  
Registered
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Solana Beach,CA
Posts: 897
Likes: 0
Received 54 Likes on 38 Posts
Default

Exellent point !!
fossil fuel is offline  

Quick Reply: Trailer brake questions


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.