Brake Flush Kits

[PAkev]

Looking for a trailer to tow around my new 19 ft CC rig. Most of my boating is done in freshwater but I occasional plan to do some saltwater bay fishing.<br /><br />I have been advised to seriously consider a saltwater flush connection on my trailer brakes if I plan on dipping the trailer into the salt water. I have looked at a few setups with flush kits and most folks I talked to say they don't really use them. Since I will not be mooring the boat in a marina, I will always be putting the rig on the trailer for transportation and plan to hit the closest car wash when pulling out of the salt. I am inclined to believe that I may be able to flush the brakes sufficiently or better with the high pressure wand at the car wash.<br /><br />What other benefit will the flush kits provide that I may not be considering?<br /><br />Helpful advice appreciated.<br /><br />Kevin

 

[Boatist]

Re: Brake Flush Kits

You do not say what type brakes you have, but if they are drum brakes it is very hard to get water inside the drum to wash the wheel cylinder, brakes, springs and backing plate with out a flush kit or pulling the drum. So if your trailer has drum brakes and you will always flush at the ramp probably worth the low cost of the flush kit.<br /><br />Personaily I will never own another set of drum brakes as I feel the stainless steel disc work so much better.<br /><br />Out here almost every saltwater ramp has at least two wash stations. Allmost every one washes the Boat, Motors, Trailer and Brakes when they pull their boat out of the water. This helps quite a lot but also very important to have a rust resistant trailer as no one washes the trailer after they launch. As far as brakes go I like the stainless steel disc with aluminum power coated calapers. Also need to go with stainless steel brake lines and Flush the fluid at least once a year.<br /><br />I also like the new aluminum trailers for salt water.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Brake Flush Kits

Hello<br /> gotta go with boatist on this one. stainless disc is the only way to fly. its also an easy retro fit to replace the old drum brakes. good luck and keep posting

 

[PAkev]

Re: Brake Flush Kits

Thanks for the replys,<br /><br />I am indeed thinking of paying a few extra sheckles out of the gate for an alluminum trailer.<br />Since the boat will be towed at higway speeds to most destinations, I am also considering a tandem axle with brakes on one axle. The disc brakes seem like the way to go and make it easier to flush.<br /><br />A few other questions?<br /><br />Will disc brakes eliminate the need for a flush kit?<br />Should I be considering electric or surge ?<br /><br />The boat weighs about 2000lbs; motor 450lbs; and I considered approx. 500lbs for fuel, ice, gear, etc. for a total weight of around 3000 lbs. I am pulling with a Chev Silverado 2500 Duramax Diesel which pulls my 6000lb travel trailer with out any problem.

 

[DJ]

Re: Brake Flush Kits

PAkev,<br /><br />Surge will be fine for 3000#.<br /><br />I would rather see a brake on each wheel end. Tandem axle trailers with brakes on one axle tend to lift the non braked axle. That can lead to handling issues.