Does Surge Brake Actuator Need To Be Replaced When Replacing Drum Brakes With Disc Brakes?
Question:
I have a 2005 north river 22’ boat. Trailer has surge brakes with drums. I want to convert to disc. Do I need a new actuator or can I remove the check valve? Also, do I have to have both axels with brakes or can I do just 2? Thank you.
asked by: Mike D
Expert Reply:
Since you are wanting to convert your hydraulic drum brakes to disc, you will need to replace your actuator with one that is rated for disc brakes like the Dexter DX7.5 Drop-N-Go Brake Actuator - Disc Brakes - 2" Ball - Zinc Plated - 7,500 lbs # 099-175-20.
You could add brakes to just the front axle, but on tandem axle trailers we recommend adding brakes to both axles for increased stopping power, and to keep one set from wearing out quickly. For example if your trailer had tandem 3500lb axles your braking assemblies would be rated for 3500lbs yet your trailer could in theory weight up to 7000lbs which would mean your trailer brakes would be under powered leaving your tow vehicle make up the difference.
We offer quite a few disc brake options like the Kodiak Disc Brake Kit - 10" Hub/Rotor - 5 on 4-1/2 - Dacromet - 3,500 lbs # K2HR35D which is used on 3500lb axles that use inner bearing # L68149 and outer bearing # L44649.
To determine which bearing combination your axle uses you will need to remove one of the hubs and look for the bearing number stamped in the face of each bearing as shown in the included picture of the # L44649. If your bearings are worn to the point that you cannot read the bearing numbers you will need to use digital calipers like # PTW80157 to precisely measure your spindle according to the included diagram.
If you can tell me the bearing combination your trailer uses I would be happy to recommend a kit for you.
I included videos for the products mentioned for you to take a look at.
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Products Referenced in This Question
Kodiak Disc Brake Kit - 10" Hub/Rotor - 5 on 4-1/2 - Dacromet - 3,500 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Disc Brakes
- LH
- RH
- 3500 lbs
- Brake Assembly
- 5 on 4-1/2
- Hub and Rotor Assembly
- Kodiak
more information >
Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - L44649
- Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
- Bearings
- Standard Bearings
- 1.063 Inch I.D.
- Bearing L44649
- Race L44610
- 3500 lbs Axle
- etrailer
more information >
Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - L68149
- Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
- Bearings
- Standard Bearings
- 1.378 Inch I.D.
- Bearing L68149
- Race L68111
- 3500 lbs Axle
- etrailer
more information >
4" Carbon Fiber Digital Caliper
- Hand Tools
- Measuring and Layout Tools
- Digital Calipers
- Carbon Fiber
- Performance Tool
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter DX7.5 Drop-N-Go Brake Actuator - Disc Brakes - 2" Ball - Zinc Plated - 7,500 lbs
- Brake Actuator
- Surge Brake Actuator
- Straight Tongue Coupler
- Bolt-On
- 7500 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Ball Coupler
- Disc Brakes
- Electric Lockout
- Dexter
more information >
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