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My trailer turns 17yrs old this year and the brakes are shot. So, I need to upgrade and wanted to get everyones thoughts on the subject. It's a tandem axle trailer with a ~4,000lb boat.
Options and pros & cons:
- drum vs disk
* drum cheaper by ~10%
* disk has better performance
* disks look cooler
- surge vs electric
* surge works with any tow vehicle
* surge is what's on the trailer now
* surge less sensitive to being backed into the water (maybe)
* electric performs better (shorter stops)
* electric stops straighter (trailer drag set slightly higher than tow rig)
* electric backs up hills w/o issue
* electric requires me to add controller to my tow rig
What did I miss?
Also, who knows the legal requirements for boat trailer brakes in KS, OK and MO? I live in KS, the boat is tagged in OK and I plan to visit MO at least once per year. My brother works heavy construction in the KC area and they recently switched all their Bobcat trailers over to electric (from surge) for legal reasons (MDOT requirements, I assume).
Lastly, anyone have a hook up for parts? Here's the couple of sites I've found so far:
http://www.championtrailers.com/
http://www.kodiaktrailer.com/redswish/
http://www.easternmarine.com/
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Go disc- they have far superior stopping power, so they last longer.
Surge will work fine-
electricity + water = problems.
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This is what I'm probably gonna do on my 32 year old trailer.
Ebay baby! (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...MakeTrack=true)
My surge-coupler assembly is shot and someone removed the drum assemblies before i bought it so I need everything anyway.
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an outfit called Northern Hydraulics sells everything needed to install a surge-disc trailer brake setup at a really decent price-----and they have a web site
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forget going electric. drum or disc for boat trailer
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an outfit called Northern Hydraulics sells everything needed to install a surge-disc trailer brake setup at a really decent price-----and they have a web site
I found this: "Northern Hydraulics (800 533 5545.)" but no website...
I found Northern Tool (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...32&R=200312032) but it's not much cheaper than the others.
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I would never run electric brakes on a boat trailer, water and electrics just don't get along, surge is the only way to go!..
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Definantly go with disc!! Stainless is even better, worth the extra money if you go in saltwater. Go with surge brakes with a reverse solenoid valve that shuts off the flow of brake fluid to the brakes when you put the truck in reverse, works great. Also, use the rubber/plastic hoses instead of steel, they will last forever.
Z
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This is what I'm probably gonna do on my 32 year old trailer.
Ebay baby! (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...MakeTrack=true)
My surge-coupler assembly is shot and someone removed the drum assemblies before i bought it so I need everything anyway.
Has anyone used this brake kit? Is this quality stuff? Are the hoses flexible enough for a swing away tongue?
Brian