disc brake conversion AGAIN!

[dockwrecker]

I apologize for digging this up for the umteenth time, yes I've read all the threads but I'm not seeing what I'm looking for. My drum system is junk and I'm going disc. I'm having difficulty figuring out which Kodiak retro to buy. I see a note on the Champion Trailer site that for GVWR's over 3000# that I should install brakes on my second axle as well as replace the drum system. Since my trailer (built for my boat) only came with a single axle drum system (and DOT certified for the GVWR), do I really have to do this? I'm expecting increased braking not less going to discs so this seems odd. Trailer and boat are approximately 6200# ready to go. I'm also concerned that if I add the additional calipers that the master cylinder is up for the volume or is there some kind of proportioning/balance valve needed. I'm adding the back up bleed off solenoid when I do this also. Anyone else using single axle brakes on a tandem setup at this load with Kodiaks? I'm a fresh water boater and I also question the whole stainless route for what I do. Experience PLEASE!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: disc brake conversion AGAIN!

My trailer also only came with brakes on one axle and I have a similar load. Add the second set of brakes. I also have Kodiaks on both axles.

No problem adding the brakes to the second axle as long as your second axle has a brake flange. Also, no problem for the master cylinder. As far as the master cylinder, you need to either have a master cylinder for disc brakes or rupture the residual valve so that there is no pressure in the lines when the brakes are not being applied.

 

[dingbat]

Re: disc brake conversion AGAIN!

Same weight. Kodiaks on front axle. Have smoked the tires a couple of times on panic stops. Adding brakes to rear axle when I get the time.

I'm running S-CAD disc in SW. Rinse after use if I remember. Three years of service and they still look very good. Wouldn't spend the money on SS for SW let alone FW

 

[bruceb58]

Re: disc brake conversion AGAIN!

Have smoked the tires a couple of times on panic stops. Adding brakes to rear axle when I get the time.

That alone happening would make me want to put on the brakes on the second axle. Not even going to mention what happens when you are towing in mountains and the heat that will build up when you have brakes on ony one.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: disc brake conversion AGAIN!

Well here I go, I'm doing S-cads on the rear axle, all the lines, coupler shock, new master and bleed solenoid from Champion. (571.00!) I'll give it a drag and see if the one axle is enough for my conditions before I drop another 320.00 for the front axle. Can't afford to do both right now. Wish me luck!

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: disc brake conversion AGAIN!

You'll be fine - NM is flat right? I live in SW florida have 12" Kodiak's on a tandem with 5500 lb load. Front brakes only (from the local factory that way).

Fl law wants brakes on both axles I can only afford whats there. They work fine. Now if I was driving over the continental divide every week that would be a different story

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: disc brake conversion AGAIN!

Well it ain't that flat around here but it's gradual. I live at 5500 ft and have to cross up to 8800 ft to where I boat which is at 6200 ft. But that's also over 230 miles. I don't really think my old drum brakes worked all that great for years, so I''m looking forward to a great braking improvement!

And Dingbat, I'd have a look at the coupler shock if yours is so equipped, (standard in all Titan/Dico couplers) it's there to control brake response to be gradual as the the weight shifts. It only takes two bolts to look at and it should be very stiff but smooth in both directions. Drops right out the bottom along with everything else. Maybe a reason you're getting some lock up.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: disc brake conversion AGAIN!

I love my Kodiak brakes...but on all 4 wheels. Mine do get hot in hilly conditions. Would hate to see how hot they got if I only had them on 1 axle.

 

[dingbat]

Re: disc brake conversion AGAIN!

And Dingbat, I'd have a look at the coupler shock if yours is so equipped, (standard in all Titan/Dico couplers) it's there to control brake response to be gradual as the the weight shifts. It only takes two bolts to look at and it should be very stiff but smooth in both directions. Drops right out the bottom along with everything else. Maybe a reason you're getting some lock up.

Don't have a Titan/ Dico coupler.

The lockup came when someone pulled out in front of me when I was going down a pretty good hil @ 50 mph with a #6K boat in tow. Would have been concerned if the brakes didn't lock up. Smoked the tires in the truck as well.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: disc brake conversion AGAIN!

The lockup came when someone pulled out in front of me when I was going down a pretty good hil @ 50 mph with a #6K boat in tow. Would have been concerned if the brakes didn't lock up. Smoked the tires in the truck as well.

Even more reason to have the brakes on all axles. The trailer brakes may not have locked up in this case. Once they locked up it was putting even more force on the tow vehicle.