Hydraulic trailer brake system overhaul

[JDGambino]

Hi there,

My 24' Chieftain sits atop a decent trailer, but not decent brakes. I tow it with my Tacoma. I know it is a bit underpowered, but it has a beefed up suspension and 4 cylinder brake calipers. (I only worry about my transmission.) I purchased the boat and trailer last year to discover a jarring lurch when taking off and stopping. Further investigation revealed that the trailer brakes were sticking on the previous owner so he simply drained all of the brake fluid out of the reservoir. If you haven't gathered, this is a mechanical hydraulic trailer brake system. I will see if I can get some photos, but I have a few questions for you guys. I haven't had the opprotunity to tear into it yet, so you may have to excuse some lack of knowledge about it at the time of writing this

1.) Are they typically drum brakes?
2.) What is your opinion of hydraulic trailer brakes?
3.) Is it safe to operate with the tongue bolted stationary?
4.) Is it difficult to retrofit Electric Trailer brakes and might you have resources to affordable options?
5.) Can you safely jack up the trailer to remove wheels with the boat on it?

Tips/Tricks?


Thanks for the help.

 

[dingbat]

1. Not necessarily. Drum brakes don’t last long in salt. Disc brakes for salt
2. I have no problems with them
3. No
4. Easy enough, but don’t last long in salt
5. With the proper jack

 

[JDGambino]

1. Not necessarily. Drum brakes don’t last long in salt. Disc brakes for salt
2. I have no problems with them
3. No
4. Easy enough, but don’t last long in salt
5. With the proper jack

Thanks. I guess I will post back with pictures and any questions after I begin tearing it down.

 

[Lou C]

A 24 foot boat towed by a Tacoma I’d say you for sure need trailer brakes that work. It’s your choice but if in salt water you would want disc brakes (stainless) but in fresh water you can use drum brakes if you prefer. I use galvanized drum surge brakes with zinc plated drums even in salt water but my boat is moored is in salt water so my trailer does not go in salt water often. So the choice of brakes depends on your environment and how often it goes in the water.