Newbie wants to add brakes to trailer

[superbenk]

I have a 19' 1980 Century on a Shorelander single axle trailer (13" wheels) that doesn't currently have brakes. I'd like to add brakes to the trailer, but I don't have any idea what I'm doing yet. I'm fine with learning & getting my hands dirty doing the work myself, but I need some pointers to learn what I need to so I stay safe.

I've read some of the forum posts about surge vs. electric & I still don't really know which I should choose. My tow vehicle is a 2003 Frontier XE 4x4 which has a rated towing capacity of 5000 lbs. I've done some long distance towing with this combo and feel confident in it, but would like to feel better about stopping. So here's my main questions:

1. Should I go surge or electric?

2. Are there any *complete* kits I can just buy outright? Any suggestions/links?

3. What should I expect to spend for this setup (surge vs. electric?)?

4. What size drums/discs should I be looking at (10"?)?

5. Any other tips/suggestions/advice on how to proceed.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[superbenk]

Re: Newbie wants to add brakes to trailer

I found this on ebay, is it the kind of thing I should consider?

10" surge brake kit

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Newbie wants to add brakes to trailer

The system you showed will work for you. You may need to add a reversing solenoid. Electric or surge systems become one of personal preference. Costs will be about the same since you need an electric brake controller and associated wiring for the tow vehicle if you choose electric. In my view electric is the simplest to install if you have even basic electrical skills. Surge does not require any electrical work other than a fifth wire that actuates the reversing-solenoid which deactivates the brakes when you shift into reverse. That device is not necessary if choose a system that is "free backing". You replace the existing coupler with the hydraulic unit and run the brake lines to the wheels. Installing the brakes themselves is pretty much the same for both systems. Adjusting the brakes, adding fluid and bleeding the system is all that's necessary after installation.

 

[mcgyver]

Re: Newbie wants to add brakes to trailer

That kit would be fine but realize that it does not seem to have any of the brake hardware (shoes/springs/retainers). You probably will be over $500 just in parts by the time your done (+ many hours of frustration). Consider what your trailer is worth and look for one that already has a braking system (craigslist ect) Probably be much cheaper in the long run...but...if your like me...do it all yourself and have an in depth and personal knowledge of your braking system...when something needs to be fixed...and it will! good luck

 

[Bondo]

Re: Newbie wants to add brakes to trailer

Ayuh,... 2 things come to mind that you'll have to address, Before you move ahead...

1,... Does the Axle have the brake mounting holes for the backing plates,..??
My guess is No, so you'll need to replace the Axle 1st...

2,... I don't believe the 10" brakes will Fit, inside the 13" wheels,...
So,... You'll also have to replace the wheels,+ tires with Larger....

That said,...
It would be Much Easier to replace the Axle with 1 already set up for Brakes,+ Bigger tires/ wheels....

 

[Seon]

Re: Newbie wants to add brakes to trailer

That said,...
It would be Much Easier to replace the Axle with 1 already set up for Brakes,+ Bigger tires/ wheels....

IMO it would be cheaper and easier to buy a used trailer with the brakes & larger tires/wheel then sell the existing trailer. Lots of used trailer out there for sale.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Newbie wants to add brakes to trailer

If I'm reading this right...you've got a 19' boat there...on a trailer with 13" wheels...which to me equals OVERLOADED...so if you're going to keep this trailer (probably not a good idea) you will need to replace the axle...springs...wheels...tires and add brakes....you could buy a better used trailer for what that would cost...take it from me...I did something similar..took a 2200 capacity Load Rite and completely re-did it over a couple of years...new axle...bigger tires...heavier springs...longer tongue...longer roller bars...more rollers....I did it over a couple of years and I learned a lot about how to fix trailers but if you want the RIGHT trailer for a 19 footer which probably weighs in at about 3000 lbs...well you need at least a 3100 capacity trailer with 15" rims 225/75-15 D rated tires and 12" brakes if it's a single axle....

Now if you want to modify this trailer...you need to find out if the frame is long enough and strong enough...if so...you can get a new axle with brake flanges made by Champion Trailers (they will custom make one to your specs...and they are cheaper than similar OE axles too)...and then buy one of their brake system kits..I had them make me a new axle and I installed a surge drum system (back then the disc systems were still trouble prone)...and it made a huge difference esp with towing with my old 98 Jeep...the 07 Jeep has much better brakes but I'd still want to have good trailer brakes...if you are in fresh water drums will be fine...in salt the Kodiak discs are a better bet...

http://www.championtrailers.com/SUB_AXLES.htm

http://www.championtrailers.com/DRUM BRAKE KITS.htm

http://www.championtrailers.com/SUB_KODIAK.htm

http://www.championtrailers.com/springs.html#c_hook

http://www.championtrailers.com/techsup.html

 

[superbenk]

Re: Newbie wants to add brakes to trailer

The tag on the trailer shows that it is more than capable of handling the weight of the boat I have now (I'll be double checking that, but I'm fairly certain in this). I just replaced the wheels & tires last year with D-rated tires which also should be more than adequate for this boat. Finally, the axle does have flanges for brakes already, so I should be set there. I've never felt uncomfortable with this setup other than feeling my trucks brakes were inadequate for proper emergency braking.

If 10" drums are too big, it seems like a smaller diameter would still put me way ahead still. Definitely taking all advice & not intending to argue any of it, just throwing out more potentially useful details.

Lastly, it's a free boat/trailer, so I'd really prefer not to replace it if I can just upgrade this myself for minimal cost (the DIY part doesn't bother me at all - I have an OMC Stringer afterall ).

 

[Lou C]

Re: Newbie wants to add brakes to trailer

The tag on the trailer shows that it is more than capable of handling the weight of the boat I have now (I'll be double checking that, but I'm fairly certain in this). I just replaced the wheels & tires last year with D-rated tires which also should be more than adequate for this boat. Finally, the axle does have flanges for brakes already, so I should be set there. I've never felt uncomfortable with this setup other than feeling my trucks brakes were inadequate for proper emergency braking.

If 10" drums are too big, it seems like a smaller diameter would still put me way ahead still. Definitely taking all advice & not intending to argue any of it, just throwing out more potentially useful details.

Lastly, it's a free boat/trailer, so I'd really prefer not to replace it if I can just upgrade this myself for minimal cost (the DIY part doesn't bother me at all - I have an OMC Stringer afterall ).

that's interesting all the 13" tires I have ever seen are C rated and can support like a max of about 1400 lbs that gives about 2800 total minus the tongue weight ....the trailer you have to figure at about 500 lbs or so....I have never seen a 19' on a trailer wit 13" tires...some on 5 lug 14" tires and even those (tire max load is about 1870 for a 215-75-14) are probably overloaded...Khumo makes a 14 in D rated trailer tire that goes up to 2271 lbs thats the highest rated 14" tire I have seen...

 

[superbenk]

Re: Newbie wants to add brakes to trailer

Just got back and looked at the trailer. Now you all have me concerned

I do indeed have D-Rated 13" tires:

Duro XL ST180/80D13 - Max load 1660lbs @ 65psi - 5 ply tread/3 ply sidewall

I need to figure out what my actual loads are, I guess. The trailer came with the boat and had the name of the owner that donated it to the place I got it from labelled on the trailer, so I'm pretty sure it's been with the boat from the beginning.

 

[superbenk]

Re: Newbie wants to add brakes to trailer

Looks like my boat is actually 18' & ~1650lbs according to NADA:

1980 Century 190

That's listed with a 330hp engine which mine is not. I have a 140hp 4cyl, so if anything my boat is roughly that weight or less.

 

[Bob's Garage]

Re: Newbie wants to add brakes to trailer

Looks like my boat is actually 18' & ~1650lbs according to NADA:

1980 Century 190

That's listed with a 330hp engine which mine is not. I have a 140hp 4cyl, so if anything my boat is roughly that weight or less.

Super;

I can understand your desire to do this yourself, everyone that owns an older boat can see themselves in you.

Don't guess about your weight, take it to a scale (truck stop, sand/gravel pit, etc.) and get it right. You may be surprised.

When I looked at your trailer, the 1st thing I noticed was the rust at the joint of the frame. You must inspect the entire trailer w/o the boat on it. Check all the joints with a probe, and if it's a boxed frame be assured that there is rust working on the inside to weaken the frame.

If you think it's worth the expense of almost $1000.00, then have the frame sandblasted, primed and painted. (If it is a boxed frame, I wouldn't bother because it will break when you least can afford it.)

If I was looking for the best set up, money no problem (HUH!) I would like the electric/hydraulic set up with Kodiac disc brakes. No surge brake slam, and no electric drum brake rust out.

I had a box trailer that I put a 2nd axle under (no brakes - stupid newbie) and tried to halt the rusting, didn't work, broke down 300 miles from home. Never again!!

I had drum brake on an aluminum trailer, never again, can't get them flushed, need constant attention, and don't work for ****.

I now have an aluminum, tandum axle, disc's on both axles, but surge actuator. I will replace to electric/hydraulic when time comes.

Whatever you do please attend to the frame 1st.

Bob

 

[superbenk]

Re: Newbie wants to add brakes to trailer

Don't guess about your weight, take it to a scale (truck stop, sand/gravel pit, etc.) and get it right. You may be surprised.

This is definitely on my todo list. I've been wondering where I can take it to do this. I'll look for something like what you mentioned.

When I looked at your trailer, the 1st thing I noticed was the rust at the joint of the frame. You must inspect the entire trailer w/o the boat on it. Check all the joints with a probe, and if it's a boxed frame be assured that there is rust working on the inside to weaken the frame.

Ya, I can understand that looking at that picture. We went through the frame last year (it's a 'C' channel type, not boxed), cleaned up all the rust, checked the joints & repainted it. It's solid, it just looks ugly in that pic (it's from when I first got the boat).

 

[kelscrusader]

Re: Newbie wants to add brakes to trailer

Northern tools has everything you need to put brakes on that trailer. They even have a 7" drum brake set that would fit with those wheels. Look online at "www.northern tools.com". Go to trailer and trailer parts.

 

[superbenk]

Re: Newbie wants to add brakes to trailer

Northern tools has everything you need to put brakes on that trailer. They even have a 7" drum brake set that would fit with those wheels. Look online at "www.northern tools.com". Go to trailer and trailer parts.

Excellent tip, thanks!

Should I be considering disc over drum whether I go with surge or electric? It seems disc is available for both types & I've read a few complaints about drums being hard to keep clean/flushed.

 

[kelscrusader]

Re: Newbie wants to add brakes to trailer

Personally I would go with electric over surge, but I have the brake controller in my truck already.

looking at what Northern tools has to offer, you may be stuck with drum brakes. Unless you want to get bigger wheels and tires.

If you do go with bigger wheels you may have to get different fenders or move the current fenders up to ensure proper clearance.

 

[superbenk]

Re: Newbie wants to add brakes to trailer

Northern tools has everything you need to put brakes on that trailer. They even have a 7" drum brake set that would fit with those wheels. Look online at "www.northern tools.com". Go to trailer and trailer parts.

I'm not sure those will work with my current setup. The mounting plates on my trailer axle have 4 holes, but that assembly looks like it requires 5.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Newbie wants to add brakes to trailer

I'm not sure those will work with my current setup. The mounting plates on my trailer axle have 4 holes, but that assembly looks like it requires 5.

Nope, it appears to use athe standard 4-hole flange. The drums are for 4 lug wheels, so you'd need to replace them. But those 7" setups are for 2000# capacity axles anyway.

Wouldn't 10" drums fit 13" wheels?

 

[superbenk]

Re: Newbie wants to add brakes to trailer

Nope, it appears to use athe standard 4-hole flange. The drums are for 4 lug wheels, so you'd need to replace them. But those 7" setups are for 2000# capacity axles anyway.

I was looking at the 7" hydraulic surge kit which say they're 6000lb actuators.

Wouldn't 10" drums fit 13" wheels?

Good question. I measured the wheels and the inside cavity of the wheel is ~12". The center part of the wheel (inside where the actual rim is welded to the center) is ~10". I'm not sure what kind of clearances a drum would need, but it seems like 10" would fit in there even if it's closer to 11-11.5" outside diameter.

I'm still looking for some really good, comprehensive "How to choose trailer brakes" article.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Newbie wants to add brakes to trailer

Ah, I was looking at the Reliable 7" hubs/drums, which are for 1" spindles/2000# axles.

But bigger is better, if they fit!