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Old 12-18-2004 | 05:07 PM
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Default Trailer Brakes ?

Have any of you guy towed enough to no which type of brakes you like better . Hydro Drum or disc? I have a tri axle with only one axle with brakes. These are 12" drum. I see alot of supplyers that make disc replacement and do not know if I should buy two more drums or 4 disc?
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Old 12-18-2004 | 05:26 PM
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Default Re: Trailer Brakes ?

I have kodiak all stainless on my trailer for about a year. I am super happy with them, they work like a champ, cheap pads (late model GM style) and no rust issues (I am in salt water). I say go disk for sure.
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Old 12-18-2004 | 05:43 PM
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Default Re: Trailer Brakes ?

mneal, did you install them your self or did your trailer come with them?
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Old 12-18-2004 | 05:49 PM
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Default Re: Trailer Brakes ?

undoubtedly....go with a disc brake. They look better and typically function better (no fade after heavy braking downhill). The conversion kits from drum to disc are getting more reasonable.
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Old 12-18-2004 | 07:13 PM
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Default Re: Trailer Brakes ?

Go electric over hydraulic disc on all axles. You will love the adjust-ability and stopping power.
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Old 12-18-2004 | 07:46 PM
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Default Re: Trailer Brakes ?

Disks are top notch, However all axles are truly the key. whether it be drums
or disks. Mentioned above conversions are becoming affordable.
Gerry
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Old 12-18-2004 | 09:41 PM
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Default Re: Trailer Brakes ?

I have a Owens and sons and it came with the disks. I think the conversion/install is fairly straightforward though. I think the surge master cylinder has a residue pressure think that holds a couple psi for your drum brakes and you have to remove that for disks. And you need a pressure lockout that is a 12volt solenoid for the reversing. (wires to backup light circuit) . I bet if you do a search here you will find something more exact, or the disk brake manufacture can tell you about the pressure valve thing.
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Old 12-19-2004 | 01:55 AM
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Default Re: Trailer Brakes ?

I upgraded my own brakes on my Rocket trailer two seasons ago from single drum to twin Kodiak disc with NC rotors and SS calipers. It took me a weekend, but I am an anal & slow worker. I did it in my driveway with hand tools, and the boat OFF the trailer. I went with all SS lines and modified my own actuator. (You need to mod the surge brake actuator for going to disc from drum, or replace it. Its not hard, and all instructions are in the kits.) I recommend the Kodiak Brakes and SS brakes lines from Champion Trailers. The trailer towed great for the next year. I sold it about 1 year after I did all the work, and the trailer made a perfect trek behind a transporter's truck from Virginia to MONTANA. NO issues, not even a flat, and the whole setup is still holding up fine.

Check this thread for all my details:
http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...ak+disc+brakes
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Old 12-19-2004 | 05:21 AM
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Default Re: Trailer Brakes ?

My 2 axles that dont have brakes on them dont have backing plates on them either. I assume that means I need to replace the axles too right? Did your un-braked axles have the brake backing plates on them?
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Old 12-19-2004 | 05:29 AM
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Default Re: Trailer Brakes ?

Stainless disc the way to go. Electric has come a long way and I may convert.
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