Upgrading trailer: questuons

[Hai Nhi]

Hello everyone.

I just got a used galvanized trailer, 7000# dual. The frame is in excellent shape, really buffy, looking like never been used that much. . The axles rectangle tubes look very good too.

But it has rusty drum breaks on only one axle, leaky fittings, dry out cylinder. Springs couplings and hardwares are all rusty, springs look ok.

I've read up in this forum and everyone said electric over hydraulic breaks are best. But they're expensive.

My questions: does it make a huge difference or not (vs surge disc)?

I have a 2012 f250, gas engine with a break controller for my dump trailer for work.

If I go with surge, how many axles should I install breaks on? What about electric option?

My local trailer shop said I should just install surge on both axles instead of spending the money on electric.

Another thing is, 7000# is right on the line for my boat. This trailer needs new tires too anyway. So I was thinking if I should just spend a little more to upgrade to 5200# axles? It's a leaf springs set up right now.

What would you guys do? I got this trailer for a reasonable price to start with btw ($1100).

Thank you.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Upgrading trailer: questuons

Your trailer guy fed you a little bit of misinformation. Installing electric brakes on all four wheels is a bunch cheaper than any type of surge system. You already have the controller so that's out the picture. For surge systems you need the coupler, probably all nuew brake lines, flex hoses and of course the brake assemblies for each wheel. electric is easier to install, probably much faster as wire is easier to string than plumbing new tubing. If you are unsure of the weight of your loaded rig, have it weighed. That's the only way you will know. You will also need bigger tires if they are at the limit. Springs are currently 7000 so those need to change as well or the tires and axles provide no advantage.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Upgrading trailer: questuons

when the upgrading is all said and done, will this trailer be less expensive than a new trailer :noidea:

 

[Hai Nhi]

Re: Upgrading trailer: questuons

New 7000# trailer is $6000, 10000# is $7000

 

[Hai Nhi]

Re: Upgrading trailer: questuons

Your trailer guy fed you a little bit of misinformation. Installing electric brakes on all four wheels is a bunch cheaper than any type of surge system. You already have the controller so that's out the picture. For surge systems you need the coupler, probably all nuew brake lines, flex hoses and of course the brake assemblies for each wheel. electric is easier to install, probably much faster as wire is easier to string than plumbing new tubing. If you are unsure of the weight of your loaded rig, have it weighed. That's the only way you will know. You will also need bigger tires if they are at the limit. Springs are currently 7000 so those need to change as well or the tires and axles provide no advantage.

You're talking about just regular electric breaks right? I saw one thread talked about ~$180 for all breaks. But I thought for salt water, it's not recommended?! That's why I asked the shop about electric over hydraulic disc breaks.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Upgrading trailer: questuons

Yes -- but you didn't mention salt water use.

 

[Hai Nhi]

Re: Upgrading trailer: questuons

Sorry I forgot to mention that. My only concern with using surge break is when backing down a steep ramp. I'm kinda chicken. Hahaha. I just wanna have control of the break either way. But not sure if it's worth the extra money or not. I think it's about $700-$800 more or something.

And, do you guys put breaks on both axles? For 7000# trailers too?

Thanks.

Nhi

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Upgrading trailer: questuons

you still could be ok in salt water though it will take a toll... Since they are really cheap.... (and cheaper for your smaller axles) you COULD slap a set on and try em out for a year or two... you could take em apart and paint the paces and could grease everything really well inside when you install.... If they prove to be a PITA you could do the E/H in the future. Over the years here I've only seen one person post up who actually had experience with electric brakes in salt water and he said they held up fairly well (had been painted)

In the end there is no cut and dried answer other than the big dollar stainless brakes and E/H unit is the best of the best.... The cheaper options are all lesser choices......

Personally I think if the trailer is used often through the summer and if you pull the drums and flush/ clean/ grease when doing a winter layup or if used year round that they'll last about as long as anything else. Just an educated guess tho... I am not a salt water boater.

 

[Hai Nhi]

Re: Upgrading trailer: questuons

I thought about doing that too, with the Trailer Spa wash down kit (I think it's trailerspa.biz).

But I read from some of the posts here saying you have to disconnect the hook up before dunking. That sounds like pretty unconvience, does it?

Nhi