Comparing Uni-Servo and Free Backing Hydraulic Drum Trailer Brakes
Question:
Hello, I have a four winns single axle boat trailer with Dico/ Titan model 60 coupler, which does not have a reverse lockout. I am going to replace the brake assemblies due to neglect from previous owner along with the hubs/drums. The current arrangement is standard uni-servo without free backing. The brakes currently do not function and I can back up my drive which has an incline without issue. IF I stay with the same style of brakes and no reverse lockout on the actuator, will this be an issue once the brakes are functional ? Should I change to the free backing style ? What are the pros and cons other than the safety cable, if actuated will not work with the trailer going in the reverse direction? Thank you
asked by: Greg
Expert Reply:
If you replace the current brakes on your trailer with the same uni-servo drum brakes and no lockout actuator (like # T2351000), the brakes will deliver 20 percent braking when traveling in reverse. However, the more pressure you apply going backwards against the coupler, the more the brakes will engage so backing up the driveway will prove difficult.
The Titan Free-Backing Hydraulic Trailer Brake Assembly, # T4489600, will allow you to brake in reverse using a coupler with no lockout feature. When you back up, the brake shoes will be tight against the drum, as if you were braking. But as you keep going in reverse, the shoes will turn with the drum until the lining pressure will be released. You will then be able to back up freely.
Apart from a breakaway kit not being effective if the trailer disconnects from the tow vehicle when backing up, there is one other thing to consider. If you were backing up down hill and the brake lining pressure released to allow free backing, you would have to rely on the vehicle brakes. This would put more strain on the tow vehicle brakes.
Products Referenced in This Question
Dexter Uni-Servo Hydraulic Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Right Hand
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- RH
- 6000 lbs
- Brake Assembly
- Single Servo
- 12 x 2 Inch Drum
- Dexter
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Galphorite Free-Backing Hydraulic Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Left Hand
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- LH
- 6000 lbs
- Brake Assembly
- Free Backing
- 12 x 2 Inch Drum
- Dexter
more information >
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Replacement Drum Brake Actuator for a 1995 4 Winns Model 3916 Trailer
- Q&A: Difference Between Single, Dual and Free Backing Servo Brake Assemblies
- Shop: Hydraulic Brake Kit - Uni-Servo - Free Backing - Dacromet - 12" - Left/Right Hand - 5.2K to 7K
- Q&A: Could Demco Actuator part # DM72VR be Manually Locked Out with Rod
- Shop: Kodiak Hydraulic Brake Line Kit - Single Axle - 18'
- Shop: Hydraulic Trailer Brake Kit - Uni-Servo - Dacromet - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K
- Shop: Hydraulic Trailer Brake Kit - Uni-Servo - 12" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 5.2K to 7K
- Shop: Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator - Drum - Zinc - 2" Ball - 7,000 lbs
- Shop: Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 5.2K & 6K Axles - 12" - 6 on 5-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Shop: Dexter Hydraulic Brake Lines and Fittings for Single-Axle, Torsion-Axle Trailers
- Q&A: Recommended Replacement Reverse Lockout Solenoid for a Demco DA70 Actuator
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: demco da70
- Q&A: Replacement Actuator for 1997 Four Winns Boat Trailer
- Search Results: surge brake actuator
- Search Results: boat trailer brake lines
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 5-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Video: Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator Reverse Lockout Solenoid Installation
- Search Results: hydraulic brake line
- Search Results: inner bearing 25580
- Video: etrailer Trailer Idler Hub Assembly Installation
- Search Results: free backing drum brakes
- Q&A: Can Hub and Drums On 1990 Four Winns Boat Trailer Be Reused When Replacing Brakes?
- Search Results: demco da66
- Article: Testing Breakaway Systems
- Q&A: Difference Between an Idler Hub and a Hub/Drum
- Video: Review of Demco Trailer Brakes - DM5643
- Video: Demco Trailer Brakes DM05982 Review
- Video: Review of DeeMaxx 1/2 Inch Trailer Wheel Lug Nut - DE65GR