Disc Brakes on small trailer

[SOLER]

I have a couple of trailers, tandem 7k. Both have 3500 lb axles with brakes on the rear axle only. Has anyone converted to disc brakes on a trailer this size? I'd like to keep the discussion to this specific setup. I've seen plenty of threads regarding the conversion on larger trailers and RVs. I have other larger trailers and plan to convert them, but interested specifically in converting a smaller trailer. Is it worth it? Also, one trailer has 5on5.5 bolt pattern. I HATE THAT BOLT PATTERN!!! So, even if I don't convert to discs, I'll at least be replacing idlers and drums to either a 5on4.5, or a 6on5.5. I converted one of these trailers to 6on5.5. In researching disc brakes, for a 3.5k axle you can only get 5on4.5. So that trailer might stay the way it is since I bought new aluminum wheels when I swapped the hubs.

I'm also wondering where to mount the actuator on an open trailer. I don't want any corrosion to happen to it.

I just pulled one of these trailers from San Antonio to NM and trailer brakes kept adjusting themselves to the point of locking up. Pulled into a rest stop and they were smoking! Original brakes, trailer hasn't been towed many miles, but it's a 2004 flatbed. I just don't want the maintenance of drums anymore.

 

[AH64ID]

I just don't want the maintenance of drums anymore.

You answered your own question with that comment, so yes it will be worth it to you.

The big question is do you convert 1 axle or both.

As far as the brakes smoking, are the original ones self adjusting? That's not common on that size axle, especially if only one axle has brakes. I would think something else was going on. If they are self adjusting they are only supposed to self adjust when braking in reverse.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Boat trailer but same idea. This is a marine actuator exactly the same as my RV but it’s anodized aluminum.

 

[gsbrockman]

Not sure I’ve ever encountered any EOH brake axles less than 8k in capacity

 

[Cummins12V98]

Not sure I’ve ever encountered any EOH brake axles less than 8k in capacity

Well now you have!!! I replaced the whole POS drum/spring junk with this really nice Dexter system. Got sick and tired of not having brakes til a couple stops. Now I hit the OH-CHITZ slide coming out of the water and have brakes that are very nice!!!

King trailers offer this system on their Boat Trailers. I save BIG bucks by doing so on my 2000 vintage. I think they are 3,750# capacity.

 

[SOLER]

Cummins12v98, after torsion install, what was the ride height of the trailer? Did you have to move your fenders? I've thought about torsion, but was worried about having to raise my fenders. I had torsion axles on an old enclosed trailer, but sold it. It rode really well.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Fenders stayed the same as my tongue weight was good. I compensated for the swing so tires are close to center of their space in the fender. Don’t think the ride height changed much.

I can measure the height for you tomorrow. The boat weighs at least 6k. I will give you bottom of frame to ground.

I am so happy with the whole setup. Trailer feels smooth and tracks straight.

The 5 year 100k sealed hubs are really nice running salt water all the time. Just rinse it all off.

 

[crispyboy]

Not sure I’ve ever encountered any EOH brake axles less than 8k in capacity

There are many folks that have converted Airstream travel trailers to disk brakes from the largest to the smallest trailers. Typical comments are that they wished they had done it years ago. I would like to do it but it is pricey project.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Helped my Dad swap to disks with oil bath on his HitchHiker Premier 10 years ago. He said the usual “wish I had done it sooner”.

 

[Learjet]

I put disc on my 6000 lbs. axle 5th Wheel RV...they have been great!

 

[GCroyle]

SOLER,

What brand of axles does your trailer have? Here is a start if 3500# Dexter Axles https://www.dexteraxle.com/results/123/3-500-lbs

Dexter has a lot of doc's and resources on their website. My Airstream is over 9K and has Dexter 4 piston brakes on 4 tires, yeah it knows how to stop.

Gary

 

[GAmes]

I put disc on my 6000 lbs. axle 5th Wheel RV...they have been great!

What brand and where did you get the conversion kit? Are they elec/hyd?

 

[SOLER]

Fenders stayed the same as my tongue weight was good. I compensated for the swing so tires are close to center of their space in the fender. Don’t think the ride height changed much.

I can measure the height for you tomorrow.

I guess I was asking if you had to move fenders up, not fore or aft... It seems to me that torsion axles will have a lower ride height than my springs, even with axles over the springs.

 

[SOLER]

SOLER,

What brand of axles does your trailer have? Here is a start if 3500# Dexter Axles https://www.dexteraxle.com/results/123/3-500-lbs

Dexter has a lot of doc's and resources on their website. My Airstream is over 9K and has Dexter 4 piston brakes on 4 tires, yeah it knows how to stop.

Gary

One trailer is a PJ, so it's either Dexter or Alko. The other trailer is a Big Tex. Probably Dexter on that one, too. I was looking at etrailer, they have a bigger selection. And they have the Dexter kit, two brakes, for the price of one on Dexter's site...But I'm leaning toward the Kodiak brand just for price sake.

 

[SnoKing]

One trailer is a PJ, so it's either Dexter or Alko. The other trailer is a Big Tex. Probably Dexter on that one, too. I was looking at etrailer, they have a bigger selection. And they have the Dexter kit, two brakes, for the price of one on Dexter's site...But I'm leaning toward the Kodiak brand just for price sake.

I have read the Kodiak slide pins need a lot of routine maintenance.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I guess I was asking if you had to move fenders up, not fore or aft... It seems to me that torsion axles will have a lower ride height than my springs, even with axles over the springs.

Did not touch the fenders.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I have read the Kodiak slide pins need a lot of routine maintenance.

They had some bad slide pin rubber bushings. Caused my calipers to bind and burn thru the pads and eat two rotors. They sent me all new calipers and rotors.

Not much metal left on that face. Lucky the caliper piston hadn't blown out!

 

[Cummins12V98]

Some dimensions. Top fender 28", top tires 25 1/2" and bottom of frame 16". Only 2.5" from top of tires to fender but no signs of the tires touching.

 

[Learjet]

What brand and where did you get the conversion kit? Are they elec/hyd?

Great folks to deal with...here is the link https://www.performancetrailerbraking.com/disc-brakes

Yes, EOH...they use to do installation too.

 

[GAmes]

Thanks