Changing a idler axle to a brake axle?

[I Fish]

Since I decided to buy a truck camper, I think I need to add brakes to my boat trailer. It currently has none. I've researched it some, and have seen various kits including the surge actuator. This doesn't seem to be very complicated. I've also learned I need to get an axle that is designed for brakes. I was just wondering if anybody else has done this. Any suggestions, or tips are appreciated. I haven't ordered anything yet, but have a list of things I need. Thanks............

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Changing a idler axle to a brake axle?

I would purchase a different trailer or try to find a whole axle assembly. When you add up the cost of adding brakes, labor and an actuator .....you will find a different trailer will be easier.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Changing a idler axle to a brake axle?

How big is your boat is the first question. The next question is whether or not your current axles have the 4 bolt flange behind the spindle for the brake backing plate (most do). Question #3 would be how is your current coupler attached. Brakes ARE very simple to install, and worthwhile for most any boat/trailer combo over 2000 lbs. Champion Trailer sells good stuff, avoid anything that says Tie Down Manufacturing on it. I prefer discs over drums. Kodiak is well worth the money with a Dico coupler. I don't think you need to go through the grief of finding a new trailer if yours is built for the load of your boat. A really nice disc brake setup will be half of the cost of a new trailer with drum brakes.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Changing a idler axle to a brake axle?

When you add up the cost of adding brakes, labor and an actuator .....you will find a different trailer will be easier.

Ayuh,... Ditto that....
Up-grade, 'n sell the wagon you've got to pay for it....
In the Grand Scheme of things, it'll be Cheaper...

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Changing a idler axle to a brake axle?

I replaced my master and coupler shock,(which wound up being MORE than a new coupler, but mine was welded on) added a reverse solenoid, new Kodiaks, 7 pin connector, new stainless lines, custom rubber brake lines (because the ones that came with the Kodiaks were a bit too long) new wheel bearings and seals of course in the new hubs for $825 bucks, 5 hours labor and a 12 pack. Probably a couple of hundered cheaper to do drums.
I'm betting minimum $1500 for a new trailer plus T+L, maybe $500-600 for yours when the day comes along that you find someone to buy it. Maybe your trailer dealer takes trades, I don't know. But I see it as a push at worst. If your trailer is in good shape I'd think new brakes is more cost/time effective.

[edit] I've assumed you have at least 14" tires on your trailer. You'll need 14'' min. to clear any brake assy.

 

[I Fish]

Re: Changing a idler axle to a brake axle?

I thought about the new/different trailer thing. I even went and looked at a couple. Although the boat is only an 18' aluminum w/100hp outboard, the trailer was custom built for it, and everything I've seen as a replacement aren't built half as well. My current axle doesn't have the 4 hole flange, that would be too easy! I do have 14" tires. Also, everything used I have been able to find needs work. I know I'd end up repacking the bearings, but might end up replacing them, plus new tires, probably a brake job as well (all I've seen are drums), not to mention lights and wiring.

I've read to stay away from Tie Downs. I've also read that the Kodiaks use a standard GM pad, so replacing them would be easy. Is this right?

Here's what I've been leaning toward: a Titan swing away actuator for about $300, and a new 3500lb axle that comes with the Kodiak discs and calipers for about $375. This way, I should be able to re-use my springs and rims. Any suggestions as to suppliers to check prices with?

 

[cribber]

Re: Changing a idler axle to a brake axle?

From my past experiences sometimes paying for all of the individual parts costs more over the price of a replacement. Compare a trailer with surge brakes cost of similar size and condition with the price of the parts needed to make a surge brake trailer out of what you-have on hand. Don't forget to factor your time and effort into the equation. Good luck!!!

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Changing a idler axle to a brake axle?

I can see both sides of this, replace or upgrade the current setup but knowing that upgrading the current setup will allow me to play with steel, weld etc I am all for upgrading like DW suggested, But that depends on you and your skills. Most of the parts I bet you can find here on iboats http://www.iboats.com/Boat-Trailer-...4407498--**********.960017677--view_id.238462 Brakes and stuff, just look around the marine store(link at the top) or surf the internet, and make sure to make a thread on the upgrade if you choose to go that route too!!

Also what truck camper setup do you have? I have a 2006 Dodge Cummins 3500 and a 9' northstar hardside.

 

[I Fish]

Re: Changing a idler axle to a brake axle?

LippCJ7, I looked at a 9' Northstar, but ended up with a 2000 Bigfoot 25C10.6B. It's a little bigger than I had wanted, but I got a good price on it, and most importantly, it makes the wife happy. I didn't think at the time it was going to make much difference, but getting the bigger one has led to all kinds of "problems". I'm needing to upgrade to a class 5 hitch, plus an extension. I've already added SuperSprings and Rancho 9000 shocks. It's just a lot of things adding up, not to mention this project of getting brakes on the boat trailer. I'm getting close to having spent any "savings'' from a cheaper camper on upgrades, LOL. I'm happy with it though. As soon as I can get the towing part dealt with, then get rid of this snow and ice, I'll be a happy camper.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Changing a idler axle to a brake axle?

yep I feel your pain! I was lucky in that when my wife came into the picture I allready had the truck/trailer/boat combo so the only thing that changed for me was losing the camper to the new person in charge! I have looked at upgrading the camper but I only have two kids at home still so I still have plenty of room and as you know going bigger means modifying the truck more, I'm in a tough spot now I am looking at motorhomes but when you have a truck camper you get spoiled being able to get into places a motorhome could never get to versus the more homey feeling of something bigger...

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Changing a idler axle to a brake axle?

Although the boat is only an 18' aluminum w/100hp outboard, the trailer was custom built for it

How much does your boat/trailer weigh?

 

[I Fish]

Re: Changing a idler axle to a brake axle?

How much does your boat/trailer weigh?

I've not weighed it, but the guy I got it from did. He said it weighed right at 1850lbs. This was boat/motor/trailer/3 batteries/20gallons of gas.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Changing a idler axle to a brake axle?

You probably don't really need brakes on it. If you do though, I would just add the brakes to what you have which may involve buying a new axle if you don't already have the brake flanges on them.

What size tires do you have? Anything smaller than 14" makes it a bit more difficult.

 

[I Fish]

Re: Changing a idler axle to a brake axle?

You probably don't really need brakes on it. If you do though, I would just add the brakes to what you have which may involve buying a new axle if you don't already have the brake flanges on them.

What size tires do you have? Anything smaller than 14" makes it a bit more difficult.

Well, the boat by itself, I'm fine with no trailer brakes. But, when I put the 2800lb camper in the bed of the truck, AND, hitch the boat, I want all the help stopping I can get. Yes, the trailer has 14'' tires.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Changing a idler axle to a brake axle?

Nothing wrong with a little added safety margin!

 

[Lou C]

Re: Changing a idler axle to a brake axle?

You can get brake kits for about 400-450 depending what you want (disc vs drum, silver cad disc, stainless is much more expensive) and an axle will run about 350 depending on who makes it for you. I got a 3500 axle with brake flanges built by Champion Trailers and installed their surge drum brake kit back in 2004 and the whole works cost about $550 then, way cheaper than a new trailer. Steel costs more now but if the trailer fits the boat perfect and there is no corrosion on the frame of it, I'd consider upgrading it. You might be able to get a decent new trailer for around 2 grand but I would not bother with a used one, more trouble than you will save and in that case its better to up grade what you already have.