Trailer Brakes Do I need it ? - Page 2

RidgeRunner · #11 09-13-2010, 10:46 AM

Are all disk brakes giving problems? Is it just one manufacturer? I installed a set of SS Kodiak Disks on one of the trailers. So far so good.

NOTHING ELSE MATTERS · #12 09-13-2010, 01:52 PM

I've been using S.S Kodiak disc brakes on all my trailers, never had a problem of a lock up or not working, the only major break down i usually have is with the back up solenoid, which trailer companies had send me new one for free.

nipper · #13 09-13-2010, 02:01 PM

I have heard complaints on this site in the past about the Tie Down brand brake products.

nymack66 · #14 09-13-2010, 07:39 PM

Thanks guys all good ideas so far. Ridge its one hub at the moment starboard front , last time its was port front ! This trailer is brand new with less than 500 miles.
Here is the tag on the trailer I will call Shorelander in regards to the brand of brakes. I have no idea what brand or type it is.
My Dealer is useless, they are happy to bill Shorelander with all repairs, my issue is this should never happen something is wrong, it will create a disaster blowing out my tires etc on the highway, I just know it. The wheel was so hot it was frying the water off when I arrived home. I know something was wrong on my way home I refuse to believe the brakes were locking up again. Little did I know ...My that Chevy was hauling it with ease. I did notice the 3K on the RPM's ...Great one once said common sense is not so common :)

nymack66 · #15 02-20-2011, 11:05 AM

For the record I finally pull the Brakes off the front axle today. One less crap to worry about.

macojoe · #16 02-20-2011, 11:21 AM

Destroyer · #17 02-20-2011, 05:00 PM

I know that there are people on this site that do not agree with me on this one, and I respect their opinions, but I still think that brakes are a necessity for boats of our size and larger. We're not talking about a little 14 foot rowboat with a 9.9 on it, we're talking about 4-5 thousand pounds of needed extra stopping power you're putting on your vehicles brakes. Somethings gonna give some day and I pray no one dies when it does. There's a reason that they put brakes on trailers... and it's not just to make extra money when they're sold. So respectfully, I disagree with anyone that says you don't need them.

IMHO

And if you're having problems with your disk brakes, then switch to drums.. Yes, they rust, and yes, you'll have to maintain them, but they've never locked up on me in all the years I've been boating. (and that's a loooooong time)

jasoncooperpcola · #18 02-20-2011, 09:43 PM

My 250 Sportsman's trailer does not have brakes. On a good day it does not cause an issue. But i am towing with a diesel 3500 srw. The only time i ever had trouble was on a rainy night a light changed on me and i hit the brakes right on top of a manhole cover after a few seconds of hopping it slowed right down. Thats the only problem i have had in the 4 years i have owned the boat.

Destroyer · #19 02-21-2011, 11:47 AM

In New Jersey you would be subject to a ticket and fine for towing like that. Our law states, and I quote: "If the GVWR (including load) is more than 3,000 lbs. or 40% of the towing vehicle's gross weight, the trailer must be equipped with brakes."

http://www.dmv-department-of-motor-v...r_vehicles.htm

(It's nice to have a wife that works for the DMV.. She knows where to find all the laws)

Since a V20 and trailer is over 3000 lbs, you're required to have brakes on your trailer.

Additionally, if you are in an accident, and your trailer doesn't have brakes and is required to have them, you leave yourself open to bigger lawsuits if the accident is deemed to have been caused by you, due to negligence on your part. If the accident isn't caused by you you still are open to a charge of contributory negligence due to the fact that you didn't have the required safety equipment.

To me, it's cheap money to have your trailer equiped with brakes.

nymack66 · #20 02-21-2011, 12:14 PM

I still have brakes on the rear axle, I only remove the front ones.
I use the SR528 which is the Autobahnen of Florida, legal at 70 MPH folks drive at 90 MPH with little or no enforcement and absolutely no shoulder to pull over in an emergency.
A very good friend of mine died on the Van Wick Expressway in NY 25 years ago changing a flat tire, and I never seem to forget the way it happened. I am scared to death been at the side of the road ever since.
When my Brakes locked up the wheel is literally on fire, this will eventuality explode the tires which in turn will take out my rear the rest will be obvious.
To prevent this is why I remove the front brakes so if a lock up happens it will be on the rear only and hopefully minimize damage.
I appreciated the warnings do get me wrong I would have love to keep it on all four wheels. But the lockups is driving me crazy. This is a relatively new trailer and this should not happen but it does.
The dealer replace the starboard front a while ago, now the port front locked up a few months back.
I was amazed at the corrosion around the brake cylinders when I removed them not a lot to cause the lockups as agreed by the dealer also. I am diligent about hosing this trailer down with fresh water after each trips.
Hopefully it works out I be on the SR528 this weekend hopefully no lockups on the rear !