Boat Trailer Brakes

[Webjammin]

I am in the process of converting my existing boat trailer drum brakes to stainless steel disc brakes. and i'll post some pictures here as the project progress over this coming week.

http://www.northerntool.com/images/product/images/124967_lg.gif

[Go Aweigh2452]

thought about doing that the last time I redid all my brakes, brake lines and drums but the cost was almost as much as a new trailer... So next time I have to change brakes and shoes... I'm changing trailers too.

[Pegasis]

Make sure the pull-away cable/valve in the coupler is set correctly. My friend Mike in West Seattle converted his Shoreland'r trailer a few years ago to the disc brakes from Champion Trailer. The valve wasn't set properly and the first time he long distance towed had a problem with a brake fire.

[Webjammin]

Here are a few pictures of the Disc Brakes being installed this afternoon.
I am very pleased so far with the quality of the brake kit.
This is what is included in the kit (retrofit from drum brakes) http://www.iboatnw.com/gallery/details.php?image_id=365
.
This is a picture of the torsion axle preped and ready for the new mounting bracket which attaches to the axle flange. http://www.iboatnw.com/gallery/details.php?image_id=366
.
This is a picture of the mounting bracket attached. http://www.iboatnw.com/gallery/details.php?image_id=367
.
This is a picture of the bracket and new hub and stainless steel rotor disc.
http://www.iboatnw.com/gallery/details.php?image_id=368
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This is a picture of the new rotor and caliper installed. http://www.iboatnw.com/gallery/details.php?image_id=369
.
One more picture of the installation. http://www.iboatnw.com/gallery/details.php?image_id=371
.
Next will be the installation of some new stainless aircraft brake lines and stainless flex lines, and a manual lock out valve short coupled behind the master cylinder.

Bob

[Go Aweigh2452]

looks great Bob! Nice job! You going to use silcone brake fluid or DOT? I changed mine over to silicone since it doesn't attract water like DOT does and rust the mild steel parts from the inside...

Very cool Bob. I'll have to come by and check it out. Looks great!

[Lazy Flamingo]

Nice job on the brakes .... Hope all works well for you

[Numbknots]

Last year I converted my 7500lb Escort tandem trailer to disc brakes using the same kit ( I used an Atwood coupler, and installed the brake lockout selonoid just behind it) I did it all to give me better access to the "parts" so that I could wash it all down with fresh water after dunking it in Saltwater. ( I also found that that was seldom necessary as most of my "diving" with the 20ft bayliner was done in the winter and most of my travel was up I-5 in the rain, I usually got a 3 hour "trailer wash down".


Beware I was warned that the SS rotors don't hold up all that good? I am towing behind a 1 ton Dodge with diesel and I set my brakes to be fairly soft and all seems wells so far.

My boat weights about 5800lbs loaded with gear and partial fuel

Good luck
Tim

PS: my boat and trailer is for sale and will be at the Swantown swap meet in a couple weeks. Photos are on my gallery at www.gotorandall.com/gallery

[Tedster]

Hey Bob, is that your 1959 Ford or?????? Ted :D

[Webjammin]

Thanks for all the tips and advise on the brake install.

Ted yes in a couple of those pictures you can see my 1959 Skyliner Hartop Retractable in the background :)

Bob

[Tedster]

Wanna sell it? Ted :D

[Webjammin]

http://www.hicom.net/~oedipus/no_no_monkey.gif

[Tedster]

Damn, love that year, can I take it for a spin? Ted :D