Trailer brake questions
09-15-2008 | 09:43 PM
#1
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From: USA
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?
09-15-2008 | 09:50 PM
#3
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From: Tulsa, OK
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!
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!
09-16-2008 | 05:52 AM
#5
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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.
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.
09-16-2008 | 06:19 AM
#6
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From: edgewater,md.usa
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.
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.
09-16-2008 | 07:46 AM
#8
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From: tn
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.
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.
09-16-2008 | 08:31 AM
#9
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From: MT. JULIET, TN.
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.
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.
