Adding brakes to ESCORT trailer

[sony2001]

The Escort has a four hole pattern on the axel to receive the bearings and drums. The holes are 2 7/8" apart. I'm sure there is an American car or pick-up wearing a 10" drum+bearing assembly somewhere out there that would bolt onto my axel. I'm getting closer to finding out which model. Does anyone have a lead?

 

[kev_79]

Re: Adding brakes to ESCORT trailer

You wanting to put brakes on one or both axles?

 

[sony2001]

Re: Adding brakes to ESCORT trailer

The trailer is a single axel that has the plates to receive the backing plate of a drum brake assembly. ________ <br /> 1 1<br /> 1 x x 1<br /> 1 1<br /> 1 O 1<br /> 1_x___x_1<br /> 1 square plate behind bearings<br /> x 4 hole pattern O short axel holding bearings and tire<br />and

 

[sony2001]

Re: Adding brakes to ESCORT trailer

The pictogram didn't process well in the posting!

 

[DP]

Re: Adding brakes to ESCORT trailer

The standard spacing for the mounting holes on marine 10" backing plates is 2 7/8". Here in Seattle they run about $150.00 a pair for galvanized.<br />****

 

[yep132]

Re: Adding brakes to ESCORT trailer

Just curious, but why would you want to add brakes to a single axle trailer. Those escort single axles can't be rated for more than a ton. Since you are wanting to put a drum off of a car on it, I am guessing you are considering only surge brakes, which by the time you make them work, you can probably buy a used tandem axle trailer with brakes. Just my .02

 

[sony2001]

Re: Adding brakes to ESCORT trailer

Yes its for a single axel gross weight of 2500lbs. My car mfg. recommends brakes hauling more than 1700lbs. My intentions are to buy the brake assembly off a scrap car for 20-30$. Scrap axels with brakes are impossible to find here. But there must be the same assembly on many models of American cars, but which ones? Citations? Sunfire etc.<br />There are many tandem axels that don't have brakes.{boats, skidoos, seadoos.

 

[kev_79]

Re: Adding brakes to ESCORT trailer

If you find out what kind you need, I can probably get them for you, but you might want to consider this:<br />I know what it is like to try to cut corners because you just don't have the bucks. The thing I am concerned with is that since this will be a "rigged" setup, they will probably be very much more likely to fail. If you get used to them, then they fail at an intersection, it could be fatal. I know that many things could happen, at any time, but brakes aren't something I like to be shotty on. I think you should wait, and do it right. Although your manufacturer recommends brakes, I think it would be better to know how long it will take you to stop, and be careful, rather they fail and you get hurt. Just my opinion though. Good luck, and let us know what you decide and if we can help.

 

[JB]

Re: Adding brakes to ESCORT trailer

Hmmm. That puts me between a rock and a hard place.<br /><br />The rock is that I think Sony needs brakes on his trailer. I once had my 18' boat push my Toyota into an intersection against a red light on unexpected ice. Only blind luck protected me.<br /><br />The hard place is that I remember not having the money to do what I needed to do right, and adapting stuff(mostly successfully).<br /><br />The question is: Can Sony rig reliable, safe brakes? I think he can, so I urge him to continue his search for inexpensive pieces with which to do it.<br /><br />Stuff you can't find, Sony, can be got fairly cheap from www.championtrailers.com. They will sell you SS bolts or a complete brake system.<br /><br />Good luck and keep us up to date.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[yep132]

Re: Adding brakes to ESCORT trailer

I'll agree with that JB, because surely sony wouldn't readily put himself in harms way. Wanted to definatly throw that post in, because we all skimp, just depends on what place we choose to. I just know what it is like when they fail, and boy did I think I was going to push the pedal through the floor. Luckily in a very rural area, but in the middle of a decent sized town, and their may not be a Kev_79.

 

[kev_79]

Re: Adding brakes to ESCORT trailer

OOPs, I thought I was logged on to my buddies computer, but I guess not. That was supposed to be Kev_79 in the last post. JB, you might get along with Brian, can you tell what kinda boat he likes???

 

[dustydiesel]

Re: Adding brakes to ESCORT trailer

I have a tandem cargo trailer with a home made surge setup. It does not have a shock to dampen the master cylinder action so needless to say doesn't work well. The cost of a store bought surge hitch adds to the price of the project. Would it be better to modify or custom build a new axle to accept electric brakes? Surge brakes do not work in reverse, may have to be pinned to back up to stop the master cylinder from applying the brakes. A buddy of mine switched his trailer over to electric brakes after trying to back down an icey laneway. The trailer draged the truck in an uncontrolled fashion down the hill. Luck was with him and all that happened was he got stuck in the snow bank at the bottom.

 

[SeaRay245]

Re: Adding brakes to ESCORT trailer

i have to agree u do need brakes on just about anything u tow now but for the time and hassle of trying to make his own i think i would look for a used trailer with them already on it when i bought my new trailer i sold my old escort trailer single axle with surge brakes for 400 bucks and ive seen them out there cheaper so i think i would go that way

 

[LouismG1949]

Re: Adding brakes to ESCORT trailer

Have you tried http://www.northerntool.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/CategoryDisplay?cgrfnbr=166844&cgmenbr=6970&PHOTOS=on <br /><br />They have a lot of trailer parts.

 

[its-a-sweater]

Re: Adding brakes to ESCORT trailer

I DON'T KNOW IF I'D FOOL AROUND WITH THIS. I HAVE NO CLUE ON WHAT CAR YOU WOULD SALVAGE PARTS FROM.<br /><br />I'VE SEEN ADS IN TRAILER BOATS MAG FOR COMPLETE DISC SYSTEMS FOR AROUND $500.00. I THINK THEY INCLUDE THE COUPLER TOO.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: Adding brakes to ESCORT trailer

Hi sony2001:<br /><br />To keep our butts covered, there are two things we don't skimp on...steering and brakes. If you are going to retrofit, be sure its in an appropriate manner. Best be using approved parts and systems.<br />Maybe I'm just paranoid (lot of suing going around lately) but better to spend a little extra and sleep well at night. Please think it out before completing it....<br /><br />just my .01 cent worth

 

[sony2001]

Re: Adding brakes to ESCORT trailer

Alocal trailer manufacturer has trailer parts. Its best not to use shortcuts on safety. That's membership to the " SHIP OF FOOLS".

 

[DJ]

Re: Adding brakes to ESCORT trailer

Go with an "approved" kit. If you put something together that was not designed for the application and something happens-you're IT!<br /><br />The legal sharks will be a circling!

 

[sony2001]

Re: Adding brakes to ESCORT trailer

Brakes HAVE been added. Cost $600 taxes included.<br />The surge unit is a Titan that allows backing up<br />without disconnecting anything, but there isn't<br />a place to add a lock. Presently putting a chain thru the rim to deter theft. The lanyard to engage the the brakes incase of a break away seems almost redundant with the two chains in place. Stopping is like not having a trailer behind pushing and the added brakes take a lot of stress out of the driving. Bayliner package is now complete.