Trailer brakes and bearings....

[garbubba]

Just reread phat's post,

But wouldn't you love to have brakes on a boat? I know there are a few times I'd have been pretty happy to have them.

Maybe we all need to have variable pitch props like modern warships, reverse the pitch & Voila! brakes.

[mawshj]

here is a thought, IF you are ever in an accident can you hear the opposing lawyer discussing your brakes being removed ? sad but true

[spareparts]

Originally Posted by mawshj

here is a thought, IF you are ever in an accident can you hear the opposing lawyer discussing your brakes being removed ? sad but true

This is a very big issue! Consider 90% of the boat trailers in this are that came with brakes have had them removed. I personally will not remove brakes from a trailer for a customer. One local trailer shop will not install brakes on a trailer under 6000 lb capacity, another shop will not workon brakes unless the customer signs a paper stating no warranty or responsibility for when they fail. Its catch 22

[phatdaddy]

i have heard of check points in the keys where the state troopers,fdot,fwc are stopping vehicles to do safety inspections. those that fail are not allowed to leave until corrected. i think a v on a tandem axle would be required to have brakes on both axles.
never saw this firsthand, but read it on the internet, so it's gotta be true.

[macojoe]

They can sue me if they want, I have nothing!!

[bgreene]

Seems the law up here in NJ requires brakes on each axle, meaning all 4 wheels....

SealLion rep inspected my disks and claims no issue, fine with the minor surface differentials as long as not 1/8" deep or more. Not even 1/16" so guess fine.

Going to post some before and after pics. Minor rust on the non stainless bracket, removed, sanded, going to paint with the rust resistant paint.

[Destroyer]

I really don't understand the problem with having brakes on a trailer. They're not that much trouble, and they are required in a lot of states, mine included. I mean, as long as you give them proper maintenance they last a hell of a long time. I think it's over 4 years on my present set, and they still work fine. Come home, jack up axle, remove spindle nut and slide off tire and drum. Pressure wash inside of brake drum and brake assembly, Blow dry with compressed air, quick shot of WD40, replace tire, do other side. Viola.. less than one hour for all 4 wheels. What's the problem? It's just like any other mechanical item... you have to do the maintenance. You wash the boat, so why not the trailer and the brakes?

[Blue_Runner]

Drum brakes on a boat trailer in salt last about 1 season. To anyone thinking about it - I wound't even consider anything but stainless steel disk brakes. I don't feel the need for them but if my boat was any bigger I'd consider it a necessity. Law does not require it here either.

[Blue_Runner]

Destroyer - you are the man for giving your drums the love....I give you that brother. I didn't even top the fluid in mine. lol

[garbubba]

LOl at destroyer, that's an hour you could be fishin' man!
I hear y'all about the safety factor, although I've towed mine all the hell over with no worries.
My solution is I tow with a land cruiser, all time 4wd, 4 wheel disks on 32 inch tires, and it weighs a cool 3 tons. You know the boats back there, but it obeys the truck.