Parts Needed to Replace Brakes, Brake Lines and Actuator on Tandem Axle Boat Trailer  

Question:

Expert Reply:

We have everything that you will need to replace the brakes, brake lines and the actuator on your tandem axle boat trailer, but to make sure we recommend the correct parts for your trailer, we will need a little more information.

For a brake line kit, I recommend the Demco Hydraulic Brake Line Kit for Tandem Axle Trailers, # DM5428. This is our most economical hydraulic brake line kit and it uses the standard brake line fittings, so it will be compatible with all hydraulic brake assemblies and actuators.

You have several options for an actuator, but we will need to know the gross weight of the boat and trailer and whether you want disc brakes or drum brakes before we can choose the correct actuator. For example, one of our most economical actuators is the Demco Hydraulic Actuator, # DM72VR. This actuator is compatible with drum brakes only, has a gross towing weight capacity of 7,000 lbs, and mounts to a 3 inch wide channel. The disc brake version of this actuator is part # DM62VR. Drum brakes will cost less initially, but disc brakes are not as expensive to maintain and perform better.

The last items you need are the brake assemblies. Unfortunately brakes are not a one size fits all item, so we will need more information to give you options that will work. If you have the part numbers of your current brakes, we may be able to use that. Some brake manufacturers will stamp the part number of their brake assemblies into the backing plate of the brake assemblies. If you cannot locate a part number, then we will need the size of the brakes, the brake mounting flange bolt configuration and the weight capacity of your each axle. To measure the brakes, you will want to measure the diameter of the brakes at the brake shoes and the width of the shoes (see photo). For the brake mounting flange bolt configuration, it will likely have either 4, 5 or 6 bolt holes (see photo).

The 4-bolt configuration is pretty universal, but the 5 and 6 bolt configurations can be brand specific, so we will either need the measurements of the bolt holes or the brand of the brake assemblies. You can typically determine the brand of the brakes by the brand of the hub or axle. Look at the axle or hub for any identifying marks for a brand. Most axle manufacturers with have a specs plate stamped to the axle tube or the trailer identification plate may list that information. If you can give me as much information about your current brake assemblies as possible, I will be happy to give you some recommendations.

I have also attached a help article on adding hydraulic drum and disc brakes for you to check out.

expert reply by: John H

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