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/