[Roger T]

Last couple times I hulled the boat I noticed the breaks on the trailer "both wheels" will stick after its been sitting a week or so in the driveway.
If I move the trailer back and forth they will break loose after doing this a couple times and then seem to work fine.

The trailer is 3 yrs old and has "Surge" drum brakes , has quite a few miles on it but cant say for certain.Anyway what should Id be looking at as far as the problem goes,does this indicate a problem with the breaks themselves or the master cylinder.

Guess I'm going to have to pull the drums off and take a look either way,just thought I would get some input from someone that may have had this problem and what was done to fix them

Thanks
Roger

 

[J Lavender]

To be honest with you the best thing to do if you want to keep the trailer is invest in a set of disc brakes. I put a set of Kodiac Discs on my Venture trailer 3 yrs ago and haven't had any problems since. Cost me ~ $500.00 for SS brake lines, new disc actuator/coupler, and complete brake/hub assembly for each side. Took me about 4 hours to do the retro-fit on a Saturday afternoon.

 

[Bob H.]

Roger, 3 years is about the normal interval for surge brakes problems. Usually if you pull the drums and clean things up with some lube on the backing plate and then replace all of the fluid they'll work for another 2-3 years. The next time you'll probably have to replace the brake cylinders. It a cycle, the more you use it, the more problems you have. I installed the flush kit on mine and it made no difference in maintenance intervals.

 

[Roger T]

Bob and Joe,Thanks for the advice.

Ive been thinking of adding disk's brakes but just cant afford it right now,wish I had gone with them when I bought the boat...live and learn I guess.

Bob,Thanks that's just the info I was looking for.Really had no idea on how long to expect trailer brakes to last ,first trailer with breaks for me.
I always made a point to try and squirt water into the slot on the back side of the drums after every trip and was considering getting that lush kit,glad I didn't waist my money on it.

Looks like I will be pulling the drums off this weekend ....Thanks for the advice,its all helpful.

 

[J Lavender]

Roger,
I flushed my drum brakes after every trip and they still would lock up on me. I actually flat-spotted a couple of tires (tandem trailer ) where it dragged until breaking free. I made the switch when my trailer was two years old and at that point the dealer had already replaced the drum brakes for me once free of charge. Good Luck!

 

[Bob H.]

I carry a brake adjusting tool for when mine act up while underway. My trailer is too old and my wallet too shallow for disks. I just grab a six pack and the big roll around jack for an afternoon of fun every year.

 

[27 sailfish]

Make up a block that will fit between the tongue and the actuator.I used a 2x4 and a bungee cord to hold it in place.

Put the block in before you back the trailer into the driveway.This prevents the actuator from being compressed.

When you take the drum off - be sure to lighty grease any point of contact that the shoes touch.Most likely the spring is not pulling the brakes back.

Three years is great for brakes.I replace my backing plate/brakes each year.It is not too expensive plus I have good brakes.Saltwater really tears them up.

 

[FinaddictMike]

Hope you get it straight or you can do what I did and hope you never rear end anyone. I put disc brakes on the trailer and still had to replace the calipers and pads every year. Calipers ran around $150 a pop and pads around $40 each side. I tore all that stuff off and am brakeless! I pull a 20' trophy with a 6000lb single axle with a 7000lb dodge ram deisel and it stops fairly well. Knock on wood I've never got a ticket for no brakes because most cops see a single axle in the parking lot and don't even bother looking for inspection sticker. Needless to say, I keep a pretty darn good following distance. Champion trailer sales is a decent internet provider for parts.

 

[TAILWALKER]

Hey Roger,

I've got a brand new set of surge brakes, including backing plates and hubs for a venture tandem trailer that I never used. They are still in the box. I'll sell the whole shooting match for 200.00.

If you or anyone else is interested send me a pm.

 

[evilgli]

i just rippped my drums off and put this kit on. i think it's a good kit for the price

Trailer Parts Superstore - TIE DOWN Vented Disc Brake S.A. Complete Kit #82101

 

[Roger T]

Thanks for all the suggestion guys,a little late in getting back but hey ,I took everything apart ,cleaned everything up and put anti seize on the moveing parts even the studs to make the lugs come off easy next time.I also adjusted the breaks.

The pads where still in pretty good shape considering I have taken my boat to Canada a couple times and I have more miles one it than the the boat

Figure I should get at least another season out of the pads.This year I have to take a look at the bearings and hopefully just repack .

Thanks again everyone for the help.

Roger