Rocket Trailer Brakes
 

I know a lot of Sonics came on Rocket trailers, so I'm hoping someone can answer this. My tri-axle Rocket trailer has surge brakes. They shudder pretty bad when I'm nearing a stop like they're catching and releasing. I've had some people tell me this is normal and others tell me something is wrong. Which is it?

I more than likely have the same trailer as you and mine do not do that. I had to bleed my brakes a few years ago and re-adjust them. Brakes on first and second axle.

It's not normal. You may have leaking wheel cylinders, air in the system, or badly warped drums. I'm in the middle of doing mine. New bearings,seals,shoes and turning the drums. Make sure all your fasteners are tight also.

Great, I'll have to dig into them and see what's up. GO4BROKE, did you have to go to Rocket for the replacement parts?

HP500EFI, what is the proper way to adjust them? I've never done drum brakes before, only disc.

When I came home with my Rocket in the fall of 02.....after I had to turn around go back to Hollywood for repairs on my new trailer...It came with disc brakes.. One of there ace mechanics forgot to put the anchor pins in one of the calibers..Made for a nice mess and made me feel nice and safe for the trip back to New York :drink:

www.trailerpartsdepot.com
Mine has 12" titan brakes. Yours may have 10" drums or 12.
I used the rocket website to help figure out which parts I had.

You adjust by turning the star wheel at the bottem between the shoes until you hear a slight hiss or drag when turning the installed drum.

G4B is correct. Locate the rubber grommet on the inside of the drum assembly (you will need to get under the boat trailer) remove this grommet and you will see this star adjusted inside. Take a screwdriver and adjust as needed.

Anyone using a reverse lock out for their brakes? My brakes didn't work last year. I have to back up a short semi steep hill into my garage. Their is supposed to be 20% braking in reverse. I have been considering installing a manual or electric lock out valve to shut down the braking.

Chris
I had it on my trailer. I have the some thing going on when I back my boat up into my garage as you do.The issue with the lock out is if you come to a stop and put the truck into reverse without letting the surge set up extend you lock the brakes on any how.So I came up with away to manually lock out the brakes before I head down into my back yard to the garage.I have read about a surge setup that instead of locking or blocking off the break line the solenoid dumps the flued back into the master cylinder.I have never talked to anyone that has that set up to see how well it works. I was going to try and change my trailer over to that but have not had the time..:drink:

Ive sold alot of rocket trailers in the past.. if they haven't changed they are Kodiak Brakes

I know what you mean about the time issue Bob. I've had the boat a year and a half now and I'm just getting into the trailer maintenance. Didn't need much, I only found 3 sets of bad bearings, 1 bad tire, and no brakes!

Maybe an electric solenoid shut off on a toggle switch would work. I could lock out the brakes before I make the stop in front of my driveway, then back it in with no brakes.

I knew that there was a reason I liked having you around..Great idea!! :drink:

I have my moments. :cool:

I got one brake assembly apart today and they're made by Titan.

What a PITA! I spent most of Saturday and a few hours today installing all brand new Tie Down Galv-X brakes, drums, and bearings. I hope they last a while. I don't want to do that again for a long time. My back is killing me. It's nice to have it done, though. I am totally ready for boating season, now. :drink:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...nic/brakes.jpg

I am totally ready for boating season, now. :drink:

Now thats a good feeling! At least we are getting some decent temps here as well. Nice work! Hey with the current on the river you ever have a problem with your trailer moving around on you? I was reading a thread the other night and saw that some of the Aluminum trailers have a floating problem.

I usually put in on the St. Croix where the current is much slower than the Mississippi. However, I did see a trailer float once with a guy that had Fountain. He said it didn't happen until he bought new lighter aluminum wheels. I'll stick with my heavy galvanized ones.

For those of you buying bearings be aware there are 3 different 1 1/4" bearings. small, medium, and large. Mine had the mediums. Be sure to get bearings with races, they are often sold seperately.

The service from trailerpartsdepot.com has been fantastic. I order on Sunday, get the parts on wednesday.

Same experience here. In fact, they actually responded to an email question on a Sunday.

I just finished replacing brakes and bearings. Its amazing what a little paint and chrome lug nuts do to improve looks. Its gone from fugly to.."I could drink that pretty"