Retrofitting trailer brakes

[scoutabout]

Anyone have any experience adding brakes to a single axle trailer?​

Although my boat is "only" about 2000 lbs wet (hull:1200, motor:500, gear/fuel:300) I think I'd get more peace of mind with another set of brakes back there.​

The trailer itself is a pretty standard galvanized 2004 EZ Loader on 15 inch wheels. Ideas and experiences welcome.​

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Retrofitting trailer brakes

if the axle has the back plates already, it is pretty straight forward. if not you need to have backing plates welded on, or change to an axle with them.

"http://www.championtrailers.com/techsup.html#techretro" C&P w/o " "

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Retrofitting trailer brakes

also check prices at etrailerparts.com i order a 2,000lb axle, springs, bracket, hubs, $180 delivered, order yesterday scheduled delivery thursday.

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Retrofitting trailer brakes

Great resources there, TD -- thanks much! Post some pics of your axle assembly when you get it.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Retrofitting trailer brakes

will be here today, installing Saturday.

 

[SgtMaj]

Re: Retrofitting trailer brakes

This is something I've thought about doing, too. How do these brakes work anyway? They've got to work off the electricity being provided to the brake lights, right? Or do they have some other method?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Retrofitting trailer brakes

you basically have 2 types electric that works off a controller in the tow vehicle, not the tail lights. and hydrolic, that works of the special coupler of the trailer. electric is better if you live in hilly, mountainous areas, or do a lot of towing in the snow. flatlanders usually like the hydrolic,

that a read of this "http://www.championtrailers.com/techsup.html"

 

[Lou C]

Re: Retrofitting trailer brakes

Go over to Champion Trailers for a good write up on surge brakes, that's what most people use on boat trailers, I got an axle and brake kit from them 4 years ago and it was pretty easy to install. A pair of 10 in drums made a huge difference.

 

[gregmsr]

Re: Retrofitting trailer brakes

I'm thinking about adding brakes to my single axle trailer. I found the best deal yet at "etrailerparts" at $394.00 entire kit for the job (KKSINGLEDISC1).
Question: How do I know what type axle I have (3500lb)? Its a 1989 Escort Trailer and already has flanges in place. Should I get Hyd Disc with 9, or 10 inch rotors?
The kit I saw was for a 3500lb axle. How do I know if its a 3500lb axle?
Any advice apperciated!!

 

[External Combustion]

Re: Retrofitting trailer brakes

You can tell what the weight rating of the axel is by the size of bearings. A 3,500 lb axel will have a L68149 inner bearing and a L44649 outer bearing or their equivalent. The inner bearing will be larger in diameter. 1.38 inner Diameter and 1.06 outer diameter.

 

[gregmsr]

Re: Retrofitting trailer brakes

Thanks. I will pull bearings and see. I'm pretty sure I have a 3500lb axle.

 

[gregmsr]

Re: Retrofitting trailer brakes

Whats better, 9 or 10 inch rotors?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Retrofitting trailer brakes

Whats better, 9 or 10 inch rotors?

Ayuh,....

That depends on which 1s will Fit inside the Wheels you're running......

 

[gregmsr]

Re: Retrofitting trailer brakes

Well, i got 15" rims.