Lightweight braking setup

[Titanium48]

I've been looking for a wakeboard boat - not a real wakeboard boat, but the smallest, lightest thing that can get the job done. I'm now realizing that even that is likely to be a little over the 1000 lb unbraked tow rating of my car, so I'm considering the possibility of adding brakes. Trouble is, brakes aren't required by law on ~1500 lb trailers and aren't needed when pulling them with bigger vehicles so they are hard to find. Most 2000 lb trailer axles don't even have the mounting flanges for them.

I've heard of people using K-car or Chrysler minivan axles for small trailers, so I thought I might be able to pull one of those from a junkyard complete with brake hardware and attach them a to surge brake actuator. Any idea if this would work?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Lightweight braking setup

do it right, my family and i are sharing the same roads you are towing on.

i found these guys great to work with, and cheapest.
http://www.southwestwheel.com/store/c-2-trailerpartcom.aspx

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Lightweight braking setup

Most brakes won't fit in any wheels maller than 14" or so...I may be mistaken with that. Your main problem is going to be the dunking in the water for brakes that were not designed for that. If the brakes were designed for 3500# and you use it on 2000# you won't have a problem as the surge brake actuator is self regulating and will only supply enough brake fluid pressure as is needed.

TD, you live in Florida and lives up north of the border. I douby your paths will cross.

Actually, I wouldn't have a problem with him using the brakes off of a minivan. Have to be better than the TieDown Stainless steel disc brakes that I bought and then replaced.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Lightweight braking setup

You can buy complete 7-1/2 inch brake assemblies (electric or surge and four or five bolt) from many sources. An axle with brake flanges is less than $100 so why bother with an auto axle that doesn't have the right spring perches and probably would not be the right width. Do it right for less than $300.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Lightweight braking setup

I agree with Silvertip. The springs would be a major hassle and you would be way better off getting something designed for a trailer in the first place.