Trailer Surge Brake ?'s
 

I've got a triple axle loadmaster aluminum trailer under my boat that's approx 12 years old. The breaks didn't work when I bought it last year and still don't. I trailer from my place down to the gas station and back to the ramp (approx 5 miles round trip). Anyway, I want to get these going so I can trailer to a couple of other area lakes this year.

I think I should start by replacing the toungue/acutator/master cylinder. Does this come in one piece and where is a good place to purchase?

The trailer was also used in salt water. Should I look at replacing the entire drum assy or just the guts? Should I re-plumb?

Any advice/help is appreciated.

Thanks

I found that it was cheaper to just buy the entire brake assembly (backing plate, shoes, springs, everything). It was actually a very easy install, remove 4 bolts, disconnect the hydraulics and the plate is off. Alot easier than putzing with the springs.

BTW-be sure you check your suspension linkage. Pull the idler links off and check the holes and bolts for wear.

Before replacing the master cylinder assembly...

Check the wheel cylinders first. I have to replace mine about every 2 years. They are usually the first thing to go since they get submerged in the water all the time. The first thing to do is fill the system with brake fluid and compress the master cylinder by pulling the "emergency" brake lever on top of master cylinder (usually has cable or chain attached). Then determine if brake fluid is being pressurized by opening the bleeders on the wheel cylinders. If so, bleed the brake system of all the air and test the brakes. If you still have no brakes you will have to check shoes for adjustment and check wheel cylinders for leakage. If you do not have pressure when you test the system you should check wheel cylinders to see if fluid is leaking passed the seals (this happens to me a lot), then you can replace the wheel cylinders and bleed the system of air.

Dan

eyezlee, I'll be watching this thread! I need to do a little wheel cylinder repair also. It blew one (at least one) on it's trip here from Arizona! Also blew a tire & broke another (different)rim! Time for some maintenance! See ya' Thursday @ Hooters

My 2000 Loadmaster aluminum tri-axle trailer has a Titon brand surge system on it, parts and systems complete are available from Brett Equip. in Crestwood Illinois, phone 708-385-2030, they also carry many other brands hope that helps, Fred

OH Yeah, forgot one thing. The master cylinder is disconnected from the brake line. Looks like the fittings are stripped/mangled.

Is that titon or titan?

Thanks

That would probably be the main reason it isn't working. Sounds like you may need to replace at least the main brake line. The actuators are sold as one piece, you just bolt them right onto the trailer with 4 bolts. Boater's World has them for $119.00 with free shipping. I believe they also sell new brake assemblies.

Sorry....Titan....Fred

If you are going to basicly replace the whole system, now is a good time to consider disc breaks. Kodiak(sp?) (like the big bear)trailer parts has a conversion kit, as do some others. I understand the stopping is much better with disc.

I'll have to check out the pricing of disc versus drum. I want to do this a inexpensively (read cheaply) as I can. After all I've still got gas to buy:rolleyes:

bajaboss - is that a 10,000# rated actuator? I've been looking and the best price so far is $370. from a trailer supply house.

no, it's a 6000 lb actuator...

eyezlee,

I have a 99 Towmaster which is a copy of the Loadmaster since they folks came from that corporation... Both are still in business in Clearwater and Lakeland FL areas and I am quite sure that they would be happy to give you part numbers and source for all of the parts you need... A previous post mentioned disc brakes, which you may have, and the Kodiac brakes are really great and may be on you unit at present... Just a note also that your trailer may also have torsion bar suspension vs. springs which will also have an impact on the parts you need... Hope this helps...

Karl:) :)

eyezlee,

I am looking at changing over to discs on my triple. I priced the whole kit for my trailer at Champion Trailer's site. We are looking at around $650 to convert two axles and it comes with all parts including new actuator for the tongue.

What do ya say we both buy them at the same time, you come on over to Siloam Springs and we'll help each other put them on? :D

Buck
#183

buck183 - good idea. what am I supposed to do with my boat while I pull my trailer over to siloam? :rolleyes:

seriously, can you tell me what parts you are thinking of buying and is the tongue/actuator 10,000# rated. Only one of my axles has brakes. Should I think about hooking two up??

Paul

Disc is the only way to go, it will make truck
and trailer stop as good as truck does alone.
Loy

eyezlee,

I think the cost of doing one axle was around $350. I'll check the rating on that actuator and repost with the info.

Leave the boat on there. Hell, it's four lane all the way! I could come over there too.


Buck
#183

Here's a link to thier site. Email them and ask.

http://www.championtrailers.com/

Buck
#183

:confused: I looked up Kodiak trailer brakes & parts on "Google". Tried the website & cannot connect to it.???. Is it still a valid site? They are closer to us than champion trailers is.
I like the disc brake idea & the 6500# per axle capacity rating!:eek: With triple axles that 19,500# !!

I really would like to see Kodiak tho' ??????

I got there, try this http://www.kodiaktrailer.com/ however there is not a "kit" or pricing.

eyezlee I would go with at least twin axle brakes and if boat is heavy triple axle. you never need them until you need them and then more is better. Just a thought