disk brakes

[John Baumgartner]

on my magic lift "Hunter" Trailer, I removed the drum brakes (only had front axle) and installed disk brakes, has anybody done the same or have experance with the surge brakes using disk brakes? I bought the brakes at Northern Tools and the installation was fairly simple. The rotor is make of SS steel so it shouldn't rust or at least I can hose it off after a launch. comments?????

 

[Ray Bowles]

John, I think this is a good and interesting idea

The braking power of a disc vs. drum brake is massively improved. The surge brake function and brake master cylinder must apply enough pressure for the calipers to function properly.As you know disc brake pads are always in contact with the rotors and will have a tendency to rust to the rotor even though they are SS. Drum brakes will do the same but to a lesser degree as the brake linings are not in a contact position when retracted when not in use.I would NOT use bearing buddies (grease zirks mounted in the dust cover) is disc brakes.The only problem I foresee is the possibility of the pistons rusting/seazeing in the caliper housing. Many different disc brake manufactures had/have problems with piston/puck assemblies rusting in the caliper bore after setting for periods of 3 to 4 months or more without use. Then when used the piston expands upon braking pressure and doesn't retract because of this rust. Now instead of casual contact you have pressure contact until the pad wears down enough for normal clearence.I would think that the manufacturer of this product has resolved this problem and you should therefore have a very nice system. Please repost after a season about your success as this is an item many sailors with heavier trailers might want to do.RayS/V Speedy

 

[John C. Baumgartner]

you bet

I'll report how it come out after a season, this summer going to Charleston SC from High Point NC and back, spending about 15 days sailing out of Charleston

 

[Tom King]

Tie Down Engineering

John,The drum brakes on my Hunter 23.5 trailer were extremely rusted because the previous owner had a slip and only used the trailer for storage. I bought a SS disc brake kit from Chamion Trailers (www.championtrailers.com) Their web site has a lot of good technical information as does the manufacturer Tie Down Engineering (www.tiedown.com/g4brake.html). I haven't really put them to the highway test yet as I now keep my boat at a marina, on the trailer, to save on slip fees. I did get a slip salt residue between the first couple launchings. A freshwater rinse is very desireable whenever possible. Make sure the Surge Brake actuator is sized for disc brakes if you didn't buy it as part of a kit. Disc brakes also require some kind of by-pass when reversing. All the details are covered in the Champion Trailers web site info.Good luck,Tom