Troubleshooting Disc Brake Performance on a 12,000lb Boat Trailer

Question:

I own a 12,000 lbs boat trailer. between the boat and trailer the total weight is about 10,500 lbs. the actuator is a titan 10 hooked up to two axels 4 Kodiak disk brakes I have bled the lines carefully, but still feel that I am not getting sufficient stopping from the trailer. I had owned previous trailers that when brakes were applied hard, the trailer tires would lock. this is the norm is it not?

asked by: Andres A

Expert Reply:

There are a few things that can cause your brakes to not lock up, but you should be able to get them to lock when braking hard.

Some of the most common causes are:
There is air or grime in the lines
The brake pads are dirty or have grease on them
The disc brakes are brand new and haven't had a chance to seat properly into the brake pad
or
If the disc brakes were a recent upgrade and not original to the trailer it is possible that the brake actuator still has a drum master cylinder in it, which will not provide the proper amount of psi pressure to fully lock up the disc brakes.

Since it sounds like you have a Titan model 10 brake actuator if you need a disc brake master cylinder the one you will need is # T4749501042. There should be stamped in information about which type of brake actuator you have listed on the unit itself.

If you continue to have issues, just let me know I would be more than happy to help you further troubleshoot this issue.