Boat Trailer Brakes?

[finclipped]

I am thinking of upgrading the brakes on a boat trailer and wanted some input. Currently the trailer has electric brakes, which don't seem to work very well. The magnetic pieces seem to rust and stop working after only a few times in the salt. I have been looking at both hydraulic drum brakes and hydraulic disc brakes. Does any one have input on which is best and why?

[whitewaterbill]

I have Drum brakes. They work well as long as you ajust them 2 or 3 times a year and I find I must replace the slave cylinders due to water causing rust and they get sticky 1 or sometimes 2 times a year. Brake shoes last about 2 years. Depends on how much you use it. I go year around 1 to 3 time a week. I put a lot of miles on also with trips to Hells Canyon and places like Gold Beach, Reedsport, and the NW coast.

I would like to here more about disk brakes on boat trailers. That might be better.

Bill

[DK]

hi finclipped, (just my opinion) even though disc brakes are more efficent with open rotors dipping them in the water at the launches could tend to pick up debre and of course being pulled in the caliper drums are more or less sealed and also would in stall a brake flush they will last much longer good luck dk

[jet]

Here is what is found when i was picking a new trailer for my new boat most of this is from the owner of Tricker Trailers.

When backing a disc brake trailer up hill they do not back up well you will need to install a back up lock out device (extra stuff). The disc brakes also have a smaller stopping surface than drum brakes. In some cases the disc can worp easily when they are hot,then dipped into the water. The master cylinder rubber seals do not last when in salt water. Pete aso said something about the different metals used, sometimes do not work well together(example:stainless pistons and bronze calipars)

Pete at Tricker said they have tryed several different types of systems on the trailers but they keep going back to the drums. In the long run they are easier and cheaper to rebuild. The best part is, if you need parts you can get them at most anywhere. So you will need to do a little maintence to your drum brakes. You lube your reals and maintain them dont you? it is all part of the experience.

Jet~~~

[steelie67]

Hey Finclipped , it really depends on the size of the trailer . Most the bigger trailers that haul heavy boats use hydraulic brakes . As far as disc brakes go , they work great , but might be over kill for a small trailer . And if your using disc in the salt , I think you would have more problems than their worth , like the disc`s and caliper guide`s rusting . Living here in the Mid Columbia I work on alot of broken down trailers , and the biggest problem is neglect . Guy`s you need to pack your bearing at least once a year !!! And use marine greese !!!! Another problem is those stupid bearing buddys . People think that all they have to do is pump some greese in those things and the bearings are packed , WRONG ! All your doing is filling the cavity between the bearings and blowing out the seal , which allows more water to enter . My personal choice would be magnetic , their real easy to work on and easy to get parts for . You can buy the whole backing plate , shoes , and magnet already assembled at any Les Schwab tire store or Auto Wheel in Portland . Theirs only two sizes 10``or 11`` .