Mismatched surge brake components

kool breeze

Recruit
Joined
Aug 26, 2026
Messages
1
Hello,
I have a tandem boat trailer that I had to replace the actuator and calipers. It's turned into a complete sht show. The actuator went on fine however the calipers and rotors are a problem. The company that made the old parts is no longer in business so I had to use Dexter. When I tried to install the new calipers the original rotors wouldn't give me enough space. I tried grinding down both the caliper and the rotors. They still rub. I attempted to purchase 9 3/4 inch rotors instead of the original 10" hoping that would give me clearance. They're completely different and now I have to pay a restocking fee to eTrailer. Any suggestions would be welcome because I'm getting ready to dump this thing and just get something with electric brakes.
 

Jeff J

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 23, 2021
Messages
643
I don’t know weight range of your boat but it seems like a lot of 21’ and smaller ski boat owners and most pontoon boat owners around here just disable the system rather than repair them. I know of a couple that were disabled simply because the owners couldn’t back them into the yard without the brakes locking and/or they didn’t want to buy the $50 7 to 5 pin adapter so the electric solenoid could release the brakes.
 

dingbat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
17,318
The company that made the old parts is no longer in business so I had to use Dexter.
Lots of different brand names are in fact the same parts.

Who was the OEM of the orginal calipers and pads?
 
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