Trailer brakes and bearings....

[bgreene]

Started my project # 1 this weekend - checking / re packing bearings and trailer brakes.
First wheel off and this is what I've found:

1. bearings fine - the grease gun change I had done through zerk fitting about 1 mo ago completely replaced the previous ( different color) grease, and permeated all areas completely.

2. disk brake pads & rotors - worn down somewhat unevenly, with small ridges and valley's evident on the pads. Rotors featured matching very small ridges and valleys, meaning I'd like to get them smoothed/ cut. Tie down parts show option for either " organic" ...........or " ceramic" pads that feature life time warranty.

Trailer is just 2-3 years old, but I trailer 120 miles each round trip, and mostly saltwater use, so it gets run....

I'm showing the trailer company the pads and rotor for their input.
Doing the work myself feels gratifying ......so far.

[bradford]

Surprised they still work.

[Destroyer]

I know that there will be "purists" that will disagree with me on this.. so be it. But frankly with the small ridges and groves (as long as they are not excessive and as long as the pads aren't worn down to where the metal pad back isn't coming in contact with the metal rotor.) I'd just leave them alone. First off, why spend the money? Second off, you'll get better braking from them than with smooth pads and rotors because you now have more surface area than with a smooth set. The greater the surface area, the more friction. The more friction, the more braking. You have to think 3 dimensional on this one. Each one of those ridges and groves equals more overall surface area. If you feel better about replacing them, by all means do so. But if it were me I'd leave them alone.

[RidgeRunner]

I agree with Destroyer on this one, unless there is excessive wear leave them alone. Good work on getting your hands dirty. It is gratifying, if not frustrating at times. Labor of love thing, thanks for sharing too..good info. Merry Christmas!

[macojoe]

Brakes on a boat are made to mess up!! Then yank them off and never worry again!! Thats what I have always done.

[phatdaddy]

gotta agree with mj, brakes on a boat are a waste.
having them on a trailer is a better idea...

i've never had them and never missed them until i got into a sudden stop situation on I-75 coming back from the keys. after that i always said if i ever trailer any distance, i'd have them. my commute is about 3 miles to the ramp, so i don't have them, but if i ever go on another long run, i'll have at least one axel done.

as far as rough vs smooth, i'd think smooth is better, but if they work and don't make noise, i'd leave em alone

[NJIslandGirl]

my V tows soooo much nicer since i put it on the dual axtle trailer. do you tow to cape may? im trying to figure out 120 miles from cherry hill lol

[bgreene]

Originally Posted by NJIslandGirl

my V tows soooo much nicer since i put it on the dual axtle trailer. do you tow to cape may? im trying to figure out 120 miles from cherry hill lol

When you go......you gotta' come back so that's round trip.........

[mawshj]

Originally Posted by NJIslandGirl

my V tows soooo much nicer since i put it on the dual axtle trailer. do you tow to cape may? im trying to figure out 120 miles from cherry hill lol

I need to replace my trailer soon , I wonder if you could help me understand in what ways does your trailer tow better with 4 wheels? thanks

[randlemanboater]

My trailer is approaching it's 7th season, the brakes have given me zero problems. I am sure to rinse them off when they are dunked in salt water but really they have required no special care.

They are disc brakes on torsion axles.

More than a few times I have had to make stops in traffic when pulling the boat with the RV that I am pretty sure would have ended poorly without the trailer brakes. I would not have a trailer without brakes.