drum vs disc brakes for trailer

[fishingdan]

I will be adding hydraulic brakes to a trailer this spring. Is there any reason not to install a disk brake system?

 

[tommays]

Re: drum vs disc brakes for trailer

in this months boatUS trailering mag VENTURE TRAILERS one of the big trailer builders just went back to drum brakes<br /><br />There were to many problems with the lower priced disk systems for them to keep useing them<br /><br /><br />if money was no object i would go with a top of the line kodiac all stainless disk system BUT thats to much money for me <br /><br />tommays

 

[Lou C]

Re: drum vs disc brakes for trailer

I have the Tie Down drums, I used em in salt water for 2 seasons, so far so good. I have my boat moored for the season so they only get dunked in salt water about 6 times a season. I do use the flush system. I used drums because I was concerned that discs would overheat on a surge system used in a hilly area. Discs are easier to service for sure. One way of making the drums work better and longer in salt water is every other season remove the drum, and coat the threads on the adjuster with OMC triple guard grease, and also pack the area under the rubber cap for the wheel cylinder with grease (where the pushrod goes in). Many have used Kodiak discs with no problems, go over to <br />www.thehulltruth.com <br />for more info.

 

[Major Woods]

Re: drum vs disc brakes for trailer

I have a couple of boating buddies that have constant problems with their disk brakes.<br />When the time came to replace my setup I stuck with the original drum setup. They are a harder to work on but always work.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: drum vs disc brakes for trailer

You have surprised me. I would have expected to hear that the disk systems were much better. I will take another look at the drum systems.

 

[imported_Curmudgeon]

Re: drum vs disc brakes for trailer

I suspect those who have constant trouble with disc brakes also had installation issues ... or maintenance issues. I've read many threads about brakes and this is the first time I've seen anyone tout drum over disc.

 

[tommays]

Re: drum vs disc brakes for trailer

if you look into it you will find one brand of disk which cost a lot more money does much better than the low priced brand<br /><br />BUT in salt they all the disk and drum systems require PM to stay trouble free<br /><br />tommays

 

[fishingdan]

Re: drum vs disc brakes for trailer

Thanks for the information. While looking at a trailer parts company's website, I saw this very informative article. This link has probably been posted before, but I thought I would post it here.<br /><br /> http://www.championtrailers.com/DrumVsDiscBrakeArtcl.htm

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: drum vs disc brakes for trailer

Dan, champion trailers is an excellent source, have use them for years. very reliable, friendly, and service is great. also the are in slidell, la. and are a recovering from Katrina. still providing the same great service. not only will you get good service and support. you will support the hurricane recovery.

 

[rwidman]

Re: drum vs disc brakes for trailer

Originally posted by tashasdaddy:<br /> Dan, champion trailers is an excellent source, ............

Nothing against Champion, but you do know that this web forum is sponsored by an on-line marine retailer, right ?

 

[rwidman]

Re: drum vs disc brakes for trailer

I had to replace my original drum system after one year, I installed the TieDown "galvX" drum system and a little more than two years later, they are randomly locking up. Nothing obvious, I inspect them and they look fine but at this point I'm afraid to make the nine mile trip to the ramp. I just ordered a complete disk brake system earlier today.

 

[jeff_nicholas]

Re: drum vs disc brakes for trailer

rwidman - <br />That's why I'm trying a set of electric (drum) brakes on my trailer.

 

[tommays]

Re: drum vs disc brakes for trailer

and if you dont do any PM on the electric or disk system they will randomly lock up when the effects of water and wear happpen <br /><br />if you take it apart you will find something sticking and it will be fine when you fix it<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[rwidman]

Re: drum vs disc brakes for trailer

Originally posted by tommays:<br /> if you take it apart you will find something sticking and it will be fine when you fix it.<br />

That's the point. When I take them apart I don't find anything sticking. That means I haven't "fixed" anything and it's likely to happen again.<br /><br />Disk brake systems have fewer moving parts than drum systems so in theory there is less to go wrong. The majority of what I've read in forums favors disk brakes. We will see.

 

[rwidman]

Re: drum vs disc brakes for trailer

Originally posted by Nick in Spartanburg, SC:<br /> rwidman - <br />That's why I'm trying a set of electric (drum) brakes on my trailer.

Nick,<br /><br />How are they working out so far?

 

[jeff_nicholas]

Re: drum vs disc brakes for trailer

Ron,<br />Actually, on my tandem axle trailer I have the Tiedown surge discs on the front axle and the electric drum on the rear axle. I can lockout the surge and use only the electric, or switch off the electric using only the surge or use both. So far I like the electric better but time will tell (I'm not fond of the close tolerances of the hydraulic cylinders and those darn bleeder screws, not to mention moving parts in the coupler).

 

[Lou C]

Re: drum vs disc brakes for trailer

There was a guy on trailerboats.com that was using the new electric trailer brakes designed for submerging and he seemed to be happy with them, but he was in a fresh water area. I don't know how they would do in salt water. I'm going to see how long my Tie Down Galvax drums last. 2 seasons so far. I have priced out a set of cad plated Kodiaks and they are about 130 more in total, (they are about 130/wheel, vs the drums are 130 a pair) plus you have to add the back up solenoid, and remove the residual pressure valve in the master cyl. I started with these because I had heard that using surge discs in a hilly area like we have here can cause them to overheat the bearing grease, since they depend completly on the rubber piston seals and fluid flowing freely back to the master to release them, and drums have the springs. Also, if I had to use another truck to pull the boat that only has the 4 prong connector, I'd have to lock out the brakes with the pin to be able to back up. Still, if I have chronic problems with these it may be the only option. I did see a guy on the net by the name of Live Bait Larry selling specially modified wheel cylinders and adjuster mechanisms that supposedly prevent water from getting in and corroding things. The stuff looked good but I don't know anyone who ever used them. Most people I know around here don't even bother with trailer brakes and keep their fingers crossed. I need em because my old Jeep ZJ Grand Cherokee can just about stop itself, even with 4 wheel disc and antilock. I found that even the 10" drums make a big difference in safety.