Need some advice on trailer brakes

736 Views 7 Replies 6 Participants Last post by zxforme, Oct 4, 2006

Polardoo

Discussion Starter · Oct 3, 2006

I picked up a nice 1997 Triton with 20ft bearcat enclousure last year for a good price. The trailer is in exceptional shape but I was told when I bought the trailer the brakes were disconnected. I didn't think anything about it and figured I would go through the system and reconnect and repair it when I got home. I made the five hour trip home and slid under the trailer just to see what needed to be done and realized the system was completely removed not just disconnected. It originally had hydraulic surge disc brakes. To replace the system through Triton is just over $600 dollars. I saw a recent post regarding how hydraulic brakes are not good on sled trailers. Can I swap to electric brakes on my trailer? I have 20.5x8x10 tires on the trailer so I am not sure what size I need to look for.

Does anybody know who supplies tritons brake systems? I would like to find the parts cheaper. I found a 9.2in hydraulic disc brake system from eastern marine that would save me considerably cost wise, but I need to see if they will mount to my current axles. Are the hydraulics really that bad?

This rambles a little bit but if somebody could give me some advice I am just at a loss as to what the best direction is to go.

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tracksideup

· #2 · Oct 3, 2006

i have a 2 yr old triton that i had to replace the drums on in kansas, im from michigan, due to a break controller on my new work truck melting down and then melting down my drums. i could have been okay, but i replaced the drums. you should be able to find a trailer supply company and they should be able to take care of everything you need. go the distance, and replace the wiring to the brakes just for peace of mind. you should be able to take the old hydraulic brakes off and put on new electric drums. they should bolt up to the spindle. while you are at it, repack the bearings, check the bearings out and make sure they are aokay. you'll need new bearing seals, bearing grease, a couple cans of brake clean etc. i did mine for under 100 and with plenty of extra parts do make repairs on the side of the road incase of emergency.

talk to your trailer part supplier and they should be able to take care of you. ask questions. if they don't want to help find someone else. all the ones i have talked to are great. but the one in kansas i bought a $10,000 utility trailer from for the project i was running.

have a few cold beers ready so you can have a couple of cold ones while making the dumb mistakes everyone will make.
have any questions just ask.

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bengelp

· #3 · Oct 3, 2006

Hydraulic (surge type) brakes are completely useless and very dangerous on slippery roads because they depend on inertia from the tow vehicle to apply the brakes. If your vehicle is sliding, it can't supply any force to apply the trailer brakes, can it?

www.crofttrailer.com

This is the place I buy most of the trailer parts that I use at work.

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over rev

· #4 · Oct 3, 2006 (Edited by Moderator)

bengelp said:
Hydraulic (surge type) brakes are completely useless and very dangerous on slippery roads because they depend on inertia from the tow vehicle to apply the brakes. If your vehicle is sliding, it can't supply any force to apply the trailer brakes, can it?

www.crofttrailer.com

This is the place I buy most of the trailer parts that I use at work.

[snapback]918637[/snapback]

i agree, every year my buddies try to back there surge brake 6 place rental up into the back yard out of the alley (very tight) with the brakes fighting them the whole time because nobody can figure out how to lock them out for backing up.

the axle is probably the weekest link you could always replace the whole assembly as a unit from a company like northern hydraulics hydraulics are not reliable, they might be good for rentals were people might not have a brake controller. the brake flange on your triton should accept the electric brake backing plate. In the photo you can see that it is a four bolt pattern, backing plate to brake flange.

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Polardoo

Discussion Starter · #5 · Oct 4, 2006

Hydraulic (surge type) brakes are completely useless and very dangerous on slippery roads because they depend on inertia from the tow vehicle to apply the brakes. If your vehicle is sliding, it can't supply any force to apply the trailer brakes, can it?

I now understand the argument against surge breaks on sled trailers now. I will call triton on the electric brakes tomorrow and see if the electric brakes will just bolt right up. Hopefully I can find a good electric kit aftermarket as Triton charges premium for their equipment. Jay

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Rev Kev

· #6 · Oct 4, 2006 (Edited by Moderator)

Polardoo said:
Hydraulic (surge type) brakes are completely useless and very dangerous on slippery roads because they depend on inertia from the tow vehicle to apply the brakes. If your vehicle is sliding, it can't supply any force to apply the trailer brakes, can it?

Click to expand...

I now understand the argument against surge breaks on sled trailers now. I will call triton on the electric brakes tomorrow and see if the electric brakes will just bolt right up. Hopefully I can find a good electric kit aftermarket as Triton charges premium for their equipment. Jay

Try your Local RV dealer, Dexter and Eaton are OEM and there are several aftermarket supplyers

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Polardoo

Discussion Starter · #7 · Oct 4, 2006 (Edited by Moderator)

I priced out an aftermarket system for my trailer. The trailer is around $260 bucks to install the brakes. Considerably cheaper then the $600 for the surge disc brake system. I still need to have the truck wired with a seven pin as I only have a 5 pin currently.

This is what I have priced out. If I missed something please let me know!
1. Two Brake Assemblies (Dexter) 10"
2. Two Drum/Hub assemblies 10"x 2 1/4"
3. Male 7pin wiring harness
4. Breakaway Kit w/Meter and battery

I assume I want the 10" brakes for my 20.5x8x10 inch tires or do I need to go with a smaller brake?

I think that is everything I priced out. Is there anything else I need for the trailer? What is the best way to protect the wiring as salt is not good on the wires and I don't want to be rewiring the thing every other trip. Any other tips? This is my first trailer with brakes so I want to do the best job possible installing this.

Jay

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zxforme

· #8 · Oct 4, 2006

i second the rv place to get brakes. if the old backer plates are still on the axles take them off and mike them up. i dont think you really need to hook up a brake away kit unless your pulling a 6 place enclosed trailer. my local rv dealer has the eletric brake kits for the triton trailers. $52 a side. i have to wire the brakes. i think it's only like 3 or 4 wires to the pigtail plug. good luck.

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