Little Dude trailer brakes need attention

[redgoat]

I have a 46-year-old Little Dude single axle boat trailer that still transports my 17' 1967 Sea Ray boat. The trailer company is long since out of business. My question pertains to the surge-type of brake system on the trailer. I think my brakes may need to be serviced with new shoes, springs, wheel cylinders etc. They look very much like any automobile brake system with drum brakes. Are the replacement parts similar and how would I go about getting a "kit" for return springs, shoes etc.? Is all I need to do is tell the auto parts counter the size of my wheels and get a universal rebuild kit. Is there a "special" rebuild kit for Little Dude trailers or will any similar parts do?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Little Dude trailer brakes need attention

Just buy a whole new complete backing plate.
10" Galvex Brake (Pr) - Champion Trailers
http://www.easternmarine.com/Hydraulic-Trailer-Brake-Assemblies/

it bolts onto the brake flange on your axle.

 

[redgoat]

Re: Little Dude trailer brakes need attention

Thanks Bruce!!! I had no idea that a whole new assembly would solve my problem. The trailer brakes were the original 1967 ones from the factory and probably stopped working over 20 years ago. I've been meaning to service them but thought I might have a problem since Little Dude has been out of business for many years. Thanks to you I not only ordered a simple-to-install replacement part but also got it from a company that has a great price. Thanks again.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Little Dude trailer brakes need attention

Your master cylinder is also likely bad. May be a good idea to replace the actuator if you can't find a master cylinder for what you have.

I can almost guarantee the master cylinder needs to be replaced.

 

[redgoat]

Re: Little Dude trailer brakes need attention

I guess you are referring to my ATWOOD device that has an brake fluid reservoir and looks like a little shock absorber. It is not the original as I replaced it a few years ago. But thanks for the tip.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Little Dude trailer brakes need attention

I guess you are referring to my ATWOOD device that has an brake fluid reservoir and looks like a little shock absorber. It is not the original as I replaced it a few years ago. But thanks for the tip.

Yep. I have seen those last as little as 5 years.

 

[redgoat]

Re: Little Dude trailer brakes need attention

New brake assemblies came today and were surprisingly easy to install. I flushed out all the old brake fluid with new fluid and then attached the brake lines to the wheel cylinder. I think I can bleed the brakes with the help of a friend but may need my friendly neighbor mechanic to adjust the linings to the drum---something with the star wheel. Then I should be ready to get back into the water. The photo shows one of the 46-year-old original Little Dude brake assemblies and the new replacement. The linings barely look worn. But the surge brakes probably have not worked properly for the last 25 years.
Thanks again Bruce for your suggestion. You saved me a lot of cash.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Little Dude trailer brakes need attention

Make sure you put them on in the correct side. There is a right and left.

 

[redgoat]

Re: Little Dude trailer brakes need attention

Make sure you put them on in the correct side. There is a right and left.

I did. I noticed when I removed them they were different. Plus they came marked left and right. The photo shows one of each side.