Installing complete brake system

[studlymandingo]

I am contemplating installing brakes on my boat trailer which has none presently. I have an 18' Center Console with a 150 Merc. I would like to be able to tow the boat with a Ford Escape. I have a full-size Dodge Pickup that I tow it to the local ramp with. This works fine for running around here. However, I would like to tow the boat down to the Keys, and the Escape would be more comfortable, and more fuel efficient. It is so light that I wouldn't want to rely on the vehicle's brakes to slow down the boat as well. <br />My question is: What would the best complete setup be for this application? Where would one purchase a complete trailer brake system??

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Installing complete brake system

The first thing you need to do is look behind the wheel on the trailer to see if the axle has a brake flange on each side. This is a square plate with four holes to which the brake assembly is bolted to. Without the plate, you would either need to have the plates weled on or replace the axle. If the plate is there brake kits are available right here on iBoats. Hydraulic or electric are available with hydraulic being the most popular. Are you sure the Escape is rated to tow this load?

 

[demsvmejm]

Re: Installing complete brake system

Electric is simpler and you have the option of actuating it from the cab as opposed to the hydraulic "surge" brake system. However hydraulics are preferrable in the water, that whole electricity and water thing. There are electric over hydraulic systems too where you have an electric actuator creating the hydraulic pressure to actuate the brakes. <br /><br />Upinsmoke is right, first make sure your trailer is equipped to accept the brake units. Otherwise you will have to have the axles modified or replaced.<br /><br />Kudos to you though for wanting to make your rig as safe as possible. Make sure your escape is equipped to handle this load. That means suspension, base brakes, trans cooler etc. If the manufacturer doesn't rate it for the Combined Gross Vehicle Weight it won't matter what you do to the trailer. It won't be safe and you may open yourself to severe liability in case of an accident. And your insurance company may choose to refuse coverage of any potential accident if they can prove you exceeded your vehicles rated CGVW.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Installing complete brake system

Originally posted by studlymandingo:<br /> I am contemplating installing brakes on my boat trailer which has none presently. My question is: What would the best complete setup be for this application? Where would one purchase a complete trailer brake system??

iboats.com sells brake kits:<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cg...id=238462&view_id=238462&search_type=category

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Installing complete brake system

Thanks for the replies. I checked out the brakes here on iboats. I'll definitely be adding a set before pulling 7 hours to the keys. I checked on the escape before buying it. The v-6 model I have is rated for 3800lbs towing capacity. I should be in the range easily. I have a full-size P/U that I use to get to the ramp near home. It's just not so friendly on the petrol! I'd like to save the gas money for the boat!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Installing complete brake system

studly, i pull 3 different boats with the 4 banger mercury Mariner 2006(same as Escape). went to North Carolina with it pulling a 16" Glastron 135 Merc. no problems using cruise control. if i was doing a lot of mountain driving i would definately want the 6 cyl. also tow 18' bonita with 135 merc. of course i have trailer brakes.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Installing complete brake system

Good to hear tashasdaddy. It's pretty flat between St. Pete and the Keys as it is from Jax so I think the Escape is going to be good to go with new trailer brakes. It's a lot more comfortable ride than the Pick-Up going for 8 hours! Now I have to decide drum vs. disc; I've pretty much decided hydraulic is the way to go since it will get dipped in saltwater on a regular basis.<br />Do you ever take the bonita to the keys for Lobster season?

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Installing complete brake system

Good to hear tashasdaddy. It's pretty flat between St. Pete and the Keys as it is from Jax so I think the Escape is going to be good to go with new trailer brakes. It's a lot more comfortable ride than the Pick-Up going for 8 hours! Now I have to decide drum vs. disc; I've pretty much decided hydraulic is the way to go since it will get dipped in saltwater on a regular basis.<br />Do you ever take the bonita to the keys for Lobster season?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Installing complete brake system

went down many years ago, when i was stiil in the Navy. was able to get a cabin at the Marathon Coast guard base thru Special Services, it came with a 21" boston whaler, w/115 Johnny. that was a wonderful week. unfortunately it was a bad year for the lobster. didn't even have to pay for gas. the week cost cabin and boat was $20.00.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Installing complete brake system

A week in the Keys for 20 bucks is good no matter the status of the lobster!!!