Replacing trailer brakes

Doug · Posted: Jan 23, 2005 5:40 am Post subject: Replacing trailer brakes

I've got a '92 Sunsetter on a tandum axle trailer. The brakes have never worked on the trailer. I know the previous owner towed alot. In my situation , the boat is moared, so minimum towing. But I would like to correct the problem. Occasionally I need to tow the boat for service, and when the brakes are applied, you feel the trailer slam forward. There is no brake fluid in the resevoir. Prior to filling, I was wondering if the seals are shot in the calipers. The actuator is a Model A-60. Because of the age of the brakes, is it worth updating to disc brakes?

wesgardner · Posted: Jan 24, 2005 6:08 am Post subject:

Hey Doug,

With minimum towing, I'd not do anything. Put some fluid in the system, bleed it and see what leaks... (if any) someone told me once boat trailers should have riveted shoes as these do better with getting repeatedly wet....mine has conventional automobile shoes, works fine....I don't tow alot....

Wes

acurtis_ttu · Soul Rider Joined: 16 Aug 2004 Posts: 499 City: Houston

I had an 88 ski supreme on a custom 1995 tandem axel trailer w/ brakes. The brakes had never been worked on either. I just added fluid and bleed the lines...no leaks and they worked as good as new. If you don't tow alot I wouldn't worry about it.

-=LoneStar=- · Addict Joined: 20 Nov 2004 Posts: 751

I would definitely get the brakes fixed. The law in your state says you need brakes on trailers with a gross weight over 3000 lbs. and that you have to keep them in working order. I'm sure that applies to yours. Aside from the obvious safety issue (panic stops), I'm guessing that you might have some trouble filing an insurance claim if you were in an accident and it was discovered that your brakes were illegally non-operational.

Now, to go with discs, you'd need 4 new hub assemblies ($600), a new actuator ($120-200), and maybe new lines. I'm sure it would be a lot less to repair your drum system.

Wakebrad · Ladies Man Joined: 11 Dec 2003 Posts: 12257 City: Dallas

Doug, I'm in the same boat with you on the trailer brakes. I know my actuator is bad (I found one online for $109) but I don't know if my lines or my drums are bad. Let us know what you end up doing.

-=LoneStar=- · Addict Joined: 20 Nov 2004 Posts: 751

FYI, Wakebrad: The law in Texas is brakes for trailers over 4500 lbs. gross. I'd bet your Sport Nautique and trailer are under that so you're probably OK legally and insurance-wise.

Don't get me wrong, I think brakes are really good to have but if you rarely tow, you could just be extra careful when you do.

Wakebrad · Ladies Man Joined: 11 Dec 2003 Posts: 12257 City: Dallas

That's good to know. I think the gross weight of the boat is 2500 lbs and the trailer can't be over 1000 lbs.

I would like to get the brakes fixed. I've been thinking about doing it for a long time now. I trailer every time to the lake.

This appears to be a complete rebuild kit. What do you guys think about buying one of these at a worst case scenerio if everything was bad?

http://www.championtrailers.com/DRUM%20BRAKE%20KITS.htm

That's appears to be a whole setup for under $400.