I want to know if surge brakes are a necessity or just a nice to have, for towing the 26S with a Honda Van? Also, if I decide to have them installed, can anyone suggest where I can have this done reasonably and what the cost might be?? Tks
Surge Brakes
- Thread starter strobeone
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Check your State law for weights and trailering
Usually, a trailer with a gross weight under #3000 requires no brakes. Every thing above #3000 gross requires brakes on each axle so on tandom axles, you need four brakes. I tow a 25 O'Day on a tandom axle trailer. I have surge brakes on all four wheels. I have to say, it does take the load off the tow vehicals brakes. It cost $1000 to add the second set that was required. r.w.landau
Usually, a trailer with a gross weight under #3000 requires no brakes. Every thing above #3000 gross requires brakes on each axle so on tandom axles, you need four brakes. I tow a 25 O'Day on a tandom axle trailer. I have surge brakes on all four wheels. I have to say, it does take the load off the tow vehicals brakes. It cost $1000 to add the second set that was required. r.w.landau
Abilene,huh Well having spent the greater part of my life in Texas, I can tell you that they are pretty lax on laws like this. Not real sure, but don't think there are any written concerning your situation. But, the Honda is a fairly light vehicle, and I would strongly recommend trailer brakes. While a little more costly, check out the ones with the flush out fittings/attachment. Will probably go a long way towards making things live, especially if you venture into salt water.
A boat that big...
...needs brakes. I put electric brakes on mine. (I also plan to wash the salt off each time it goes in the water with a sprayer like you spray your yard...especially the brakes. I will eventually add the kit that you hook to a hose and it sprays the inside of the brakes out. A friend had that and has liitle rust on the brakes.) The bottom line is this. If you have a panic stop and don't have brakes...it is too late! It may cost somewhat for the brakes...but iut's worth it. Come to think of it your boat and trailer probably weighs more that your van, do you want it pushing you down a hill? Jack
...needs brakes. I put electric brakes on mine. (I also plan to wash the salt off each time it goes in the water with a sprayer like you spray your yard...especially the brakes. I will eventually add the kit that you hook to a hose and it sprays the inside of the brakes out. A friend had that and has liitle rust on the brakes.) The bottom line is this. If you have a panic stop and don't have brakes...it is too late! It may cost somewhat for the brakes...but iut's worth it. Come to think of it your boat and trailer probably weighs more that your van, do you want it pushing you down a hill? Jack
Brakes in Texas
In Texas any trailer with a gross combined weight (weight of boat and trailer together just as you would tow it) has to have trailer brakes and get an annual inspection sticker just like our vehicles.
In Texas any trailer with a gross combined weight (weight of boat and trailer together just as you would tow it) has to have trailer brakes and get an annual inspection sticker just like our vehicles.
a 26
a hunter 26 is about 4400 pounds OFF the trailer, lets say 5500 with the trailer. you want brakes!
a hunter 26 is about 4400 pounds OFF the trailer, lets say 5500 with the trailer. you want brakes!
Champion trailer parts
I got parts from this guys before. Very good service. They have the components you are looking for. You can use galvanized drum brakes but my advise is to go with stainless steel disk brakes. No need to wash even for salt water launch. The spinning wheel will sling the salt water off. I towed a 26S loaded with supply with a Toyota Sienna van with a class 2 hitch. No problem at all. In southern US like TX you may want to add a transmission cooler. The secret is to balance your load so that at least 10% of the total weight is on the hitch ball to prevent fishtailing. Watch out when you need to haul up a wet ramp. Front wheel drive vehicle is not friendly as the wheel will spin. Have a big fellow on the passenger seat will help. I also blow air into the balast to empty it before haul up the ramp. Much lighter and you don't need to go down the ramp as much. http://www.championtrailers.com/
I got parts from this guys before. Very good service. They have the components you are looking for. You can use galvanized drum brakes but my advise is to go with stainless steel disk brakes. No need to wash even for salt water launch. The spinning wheel will sling the salt water off. I towed a 26S loaded with supply with a Toyota Sienna van with a class 2 hitch. No problem at all. In southern US like TX you may want to add a transmission cooler. The secret is to balance your load so that at least 10% of the total weight is on the hitch ball to prevent fishtailing. Watch out when you need to haul up a wet ramp. Front wheel drive vehicle is not friendly as the wheel will spin. Have a big fellow on the passenger seat will help. I also blow air into the balast to empty it before haul up the ramp. Much lighter and you don't need to go down the ramp as much. http://www.championtrailers.com/
Ditto Champion
I used them to get parts when I coverted my brakes from drum to stainless steel discs. This is a change I recommend sonce the discs are much better brakes. Whatever you go with you really should have brakes on that trailer. What would you do if you needed to make an emergency stop at 55MPH??
I used them to get parts when I coverted my brakes from drum to stainless steel discs. This is a change I recommend sonce the discs are much better brakes. Whatever you go with you really should have brakes on that trailer. What would you do if you needed to make an emergency stop at 55MPH??
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