When to get the brakes checked on the boat trailer

libertygo · Newbie Joined: 08 Apr 2003 Posts: 3 City: Valencia, CA

I have had my boat for a year and a half, and was wondering when the brakes on the trailer should get checked. I heard every 2 years. Also, the place where I get my boat serviced, said that it is $75 to check them, is this a rip off, it is not like they are replacing them or anything. If anyone could please give me your input that would be great.

Thanks,
Liberty
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OttoNP · Addict Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 848 City: MI

You could check them yourself, it's pretty easy. The most common type of trailer brakes are the surge brakes with drums, if this what you have?. I'd guess that they probably need adjustment, which is pretty easy. Your trailer should have come with instructors on how to do it, but if not I can tell you how.

As far as that price is concerned, it is probably ok if it includes the minor adjustment they will most likely have to make. I think most places would charge you around that.

Nick
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wakejunky · Outlaw Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 147 City: Cal.

Checking your surge brakes and activation are easy.

My first indicators of my brake lines having need to be bled are that the actuator can be pressed all the way through it's motion. I can usually feel it while towing the trailer seems to clunk and such at stops. Pull your drop off of your tow vehicle and put it on the tongue and try to actuate the brakes, there should be alot of resistance as you press it. If not then either need to bleed the brakes or adjust the brakes.

To adjust the brakes on drum systems, jack up the trailer and spin the wheel. You should just hear the brake shoes rubbing on the drum. If not, look behind the drum and you'll see a rubber plug, remove the plug and put a screw driver in there to spin the adjustment. If you don't understand, just pull the wheel off and then the drum and you'll see it at the bottom of the brakes between the shoes.
Adjust so that you can hear the shoes rubbing against the drum. Too tight and you'll go throug the shoes and/or overheat the drums and then start flinging grease all over your wheels.

Hope this helps,

Chris
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