Trailer brakes

[Crusader]

Came off the trailer ball?? Wow.....can't even imagine. Glad y'all made it out okay.

Ya, I'm one of those guys that want to have everything in good working order especially when it comes to safety issues. I don't go overbored with it, just want to meet standards to protect the family both on the equipment and reducing of risk side of the house and also the liability side.

 

[jimsplace]

I have had brakes on my boat trailer for many years and would not want to be without them even on smaller boats.  It seems they do take more maintenance on a boat trailer due to their going into water.  They are still worth it though and they do help.

When you work on the shoes, just go to a trailer store or somewhere that sells trailer brakes and by the entire backing plate with the shoes already installed.  It cost very little more than just the shoes and it is whole lot easier and cleaner.   

 

[Crusader]

Thanks Jim. I was probably going to do that instead of trying to replace it one piece at a time. Just replace the whole assembly instead....that way it's all new and all the parts are starting off on the same playing field.

 

[blazeracer]

You gonna get those trailer brakes sorted out today?

 

[Crusader]

You gonna get those trailer brakes sorted out today?

No.....just a project on the near horizon. Hope to get them repaired and functional by July 4th / Broken bow weekend. I'm in the "research" phase right now....takes me a few weeks to think about something before I actually go and do it. I can feel the Crusader on the back of my truck big time as she's a heavy beast and I feel I need trailer brakes. I've seen much smaller and lighter boats on single axle trailers that have trailer brakes.....so it only makes sense that with a trailer like what I have, to install/repair the trailer brakes.

 

[blazeracer]

I have brakes on my trailer, but they are the kind the engage in the event of the trailer coming off the ball. Emergency type I guess. There's a little cable that connects to the truck. If the trailer comes off the ball the cable will pull the lever and brake the trailer.

 

[Crusader]

There ya go, case in point.

There's a lot if events I. Texas I'd like to attend this year and if the trailer ain't working right, I won't be able to make the events. Also we may drag her to Georgia in August too.

 

[Texgo]

Crusader:  Your brake setup is just like mine.  Your brake cylinder is missing.  I'm wiring my trailer this weekend, and before I put my boat back on it, I am thinking about doing the brakes too.

 

[Crusader]

Where would the brake cylinder go?? Also, do you think I should just remove the coupler and put a new one on that has a brake cylinder on it?? Can you post a picture of what your coupler looks llike??

 

[HellinnFrnt]

http://www.trailerpart.com/?gclid=CP_RnKzQkqgCFdI42godG38Aew

 

[blazeracer]

Wow, now that you asked where the master cylinder is at I went and looked. My trailer has surge brakes AND the little safety cable.

 

[Crusader]

But do you have a hydraulic resevior??

 

[blazeracer]

Yes. There has to be one for hydraulic brakes to work.

 

[Texgo]

Here's what mine looks like.  My old master cylinder was rusted solid, so I got this one off of Ebay for $20.  It is a Ditco brand, I believe.  That plunger stabs into the master cylinder piston, and the other end bolts into the hole.  The chain attached to the lever must be a safety that pushes the piston in case the trailer comes off - I figure the chain has to be attached to the pickup for it to work.  You can buy a new kit that comes with everything for $250 - 300.  I'm a tight wad with lots of tools.

 

[blazeracer]

(Yellow Arrow) The reservoir is small, but here it is.

(Red Arrow) The surge brake is housed inside the grey cover. That one applies brakes when the trailer pushes into the ball on the hitch. It's spring loaded and I imagine is takes a bit pressure to get it engage so it doesn't brake while backing up.

(Blue Arrow) The little cable on top is for the safety brakes. It is hooked to lever with teeth on it so if the trailer comes unhitched and the safety is activated it stays on till you take it apart and undo it.

 

[Crusader]

Here's what mine looks like.  My old master cylinder was rusted solid, so I got this one off of Ebay for $20.  It is a Ditco brand, I believe.  That plunger stabs into the master cylinder piston, and the other end bolts into the hole.  The chain attached to the lever must be a safety that pushes the piston in case the trailer comes off - I figure the chain has to be attached to the pickup for it to work.  You can buy a new kit that comes with everything for $250 - 300.  I'm a tight wad with lots of tools.

Texgo, your's is EXACTLY what I have on mine except I'm missing the plunger, the master cylinder and the bolts. Could you please tell me the part numbers of those items? Also....how do you disengaged the brakes for when you're in reverse? Sometimes I have to back UP into my driveway.

Thanks a million for taking the time to post those pictures.....man, that really helps a lot.

 

[blazeracer]

Hey Cliff, if it's anything like mine in design, the plunger is spring loaded with a really heavy spring so backing up with it doesn't exert enough force to move the plunger. Jamming on the brakes at 60 will overcome the spring and move the plunger.

Custom art attached...

 

[Crusader]

Oh, okay. I've heard of guys just backing up and locking their brakes up. Just wondered if there was an over ride so I could disengage the brakes while backing up.

 

[blazeracer]

Oh, okay. I've heard of guys just backing up and locking their brakes up. Just wondered if there was an over ride so I could disengage the brakes while backing up.

Made a pic for the above post. Maybe the guys that locked them up left something out??

 

[Crusader]

Ahhhh. Cool. Makes sense. But when I'm backing I to the driveway, it's up and incline and I'm wondering if that would be enough to lock the brakes up.