View Full Version : Drums or disks?
ICHTHYDEMON
02-13-2006, 08:37 PM
I'm just about ready to pick out the options on my NR Seahawk. On the trailer,drum brakes are standard and disks are a $450 upgrade. Is the disk upgrade worth $450? The disks are only $200 more than a brake fluch kit. Would it be overkill to have a flush kit and disks?
namu mac
02-13-2006, 08:54 PM
If you have disc brakes everything is open so you don't need the flush kits. I can't answer about the brakes have always had drum brakes
tomictime
02-13-2006, 09:07 PM
discs are the way to go
hose all of them off well tho
I'd save the $450 and use it to have regular checkups.
WaterDog
02-14-2006, 07:23 AM
Just remember if you go drums you'll need to adjust them 3 or 4 times a year to insure proper pad wear if your towing a lot. It's not that tough to do, just a PITA. There is no adjusting on disks.
In the grand scheme of things $450 is nothing. :shrug:
You'll end up paying for it anyway and usually it will cost more, not only in money, but in time as well. :twocents:
My dealer gave me the disc brake retrofit as a "free upgrade" as there was a recall on the actuater in my surge brakes. I LOVE my dealer, and I LOVE my discs!
Go with the disc brakes. They are the best and easy to maintain. No adjusting required. Just check the brake fluid level occasionly. Had both kinds and disc brakes win by a mile. When the word gets out on disc brakes they will be the main brakes on most trailers of the future.
Good Luck;
boater
02-14-2006, 01:39 PM
why dont you get a roller trailer and use it like its supposed to be used and dont get the brakes wet ?
why dont you get a roller trailer and use it like its supposed to be used and dont get the brakes wet ?
Disc brakes work good regardless of being wet or not wet. They are the best way if you need trailer brakes.
Good Luck;
boater
02-14-2006, 05:36 PM
Disc brakes work good regardless of being wet or not wet. They are the best way if you need trailer brakes.
ive got 5 years out of my drum brakes and am going to replace them with the same thing, i personaly cant complain.
I've got 3 1/2 on mine...same thing...I can't complain, ymmv.
ripthevolcano
02-14-2006, 07:35 PM
5th year on mine and the last 3 towing from Central Oregon. Only have to adjust 2 times a year. I inspect every trip. I will need to put in new shoes at the end of this season though. No problems for me as long as they are adjusted properly. NR w/ EZLoader surge brakes w/ Drums.
5th year on mine and the last 3 towing from Central Oregon. Only have to adjust 2 times a year. I inspect every trip. I will need to put in new shoes at the end of this season though. No problems for me as long as they are adjusted properly. NR w/ EZLoader surge brakes w/ Drums.
You don't have to ever adjust disc brakes. Just replace the brake lining when it wears out.
Good Luck;
Draggin' Bait
02-15-2006, 11:44 PM
My drum brakes go in salt all the time. In spite of flushing after every trip they rarely last two full years. Disks for me next time. Larry
My drum brakes go in salt all the time. In spite of flushing after every trip they rarely last two full years. Disks for me next time. Larry
You will be happy with disc brakes. There is one thing to consider is the weight of your boat. If it is a tandem axle trailer you may need disc brakes on all wheels as there is a limit to the weight disc brakes will handle. It all depends on the weight of your boat. If it is more than 3000 pds heavy you will need brakes on all four wheels.
Good Luck;
Sometimeslucky
02-25-2006, 08:27 PM
The dealer where I just bought my Road Runner trailer showed me a box of disc brakes off of another name brand trailer (s). He said they have changed a number of disc brakes due to salt and silt getting in the caliper and causing it to jam. One set was only 18 months old. Maybe they didn't maintain it very well. I wanted disc, but they would have cost me $400.00 more. The trailer cost was enough at one time. By the way, it came with a flush kit installed. I guess I'll try drums for a while.
Reel Fun Fish'n
02-26-2006, 06:31 PM
[quote There is one thing to consider is the weight of your boat. If it is a tandem axle trailer you may need disc brakes on all wheels as there is a limit to the weight disc brakes will handle. It all depends on the weight of your boat. If it is more than 3000 pds heavy you will need brakes on all four wheels.
Good Luck;
[/quote]
Okie, :help: where does this information come from? Not sure I understand since, disc brakes have much higher braking capacities (weight limits) then drum brakes
Bigger Boat
02-27-2006, 06:36 AM
Well there you have it Ichthy. No matter which way you go it is wrong. I have had major issues with drums even with lots of maintainance so I would go disks next time.
Just looked at a 24' seahawk last week I must admit I am smitten, even the wife loved it. Congrats you lucky devil. :wave:
Jay
1pump
03-01-2006, 04:57 PM
A lot fewer moving parts on disc brakes. No return springs, anchor pins or hold down springs to rust up and break off.
I imagine there's the issue of pistons seizing in the calipers of disc brakes, so I'd pay attention to what the caliper casting and piston is made of. A stainless piston in a iron caliper would make me a little nervous. I suppose phenolic (like most cars) would be OK. So would a stainless piston with a stainless caliper.
My trailer is too light to need brakes, so I don't run 'em. I've seen some trailers with galvanized discs, and some with stainless. :shrug:
I spent enough years in the automotive business to know that what works better on cars usually works better on trailers. Disc all the way.
fishingls
03-03-2006, 07:34 PM
I don't know what is going on with the disc brake price. One of the major boat manufacturer's in the northwest lists their upgrade charge from drum to disc brakes for only $75.00. They use EZ loader trailers. PM me and I will fax you the pricing sheet.
Starfish
03-04-2006, 10:12 AM
Discs are great. My buddy bought his latest boat the same time as I did and he has had to have drum brakes adjusted or fixed several times and my discs have been flawless.
Regarding the comment about needing more than one axle with discs, it's a moot point in Washington... state law requires brakes on all axles for trailers over 3,000 pounds or over 40% of the tow vehicle's weight. Doesn't matter if they're drums or discs.
STGRule
03-04-2006, 10:36 PM
Our workboats are heavy and travel many, many miles a year. We switched over to disc brakes a few years ago and never looked back. On my personal boat I will replace the drums with discs and gladly pay the extra. It only costs a little more up front and saves time and money for a long time after.