Finding the Most Cost-Effective Solution to Add Brakes to Trailer

Question:

One more set up questions to follow up on your response. So I did some more evaluation. 1. I have 4 bolt flange but I have 6 lug rotors on 15inch tires currently. 2. I have a after market Fulton fold away coupler. 3. The trailer is rated at 3500 My confusion is that all the 6 lug rotors say for 5 bolt flange but mine flanges are 4 bolt. What disk set do I need for a 3500 trailer with 6 lug disk and 4 bolt flange ? thanks again

asked by: Frank

Expert Reply:

Hydraulic disc brakes will be the most cost-effective solution for you. In order to add those you will need to know your axle's weight capacity. I recommend going with a hub and rotor disc brake kit such as the Kodiak # K2HR35D. To add a hub and roter you will need to take apart your current hubs and find the bearing numbers. The # K2HR35D, for example, use inner bearing # L68149 and outer bearing # L44649 and yours would need to match. The hubs in this brake kit also have a 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern which your wheels would need to match; I've linked a help article for you which details how to find the bolt pattern of your wheels if you are unsure.

Along with a brake kit you will need a brake actuator and a great choice would be the Titan # T47154207K which is adjustable so it will fit hitch balls that are 1-7/8", 2" and 50-mm. This actuator bolts on and will mount to 3" wide channel tongues. A brake line kit would be your other necessity and the Kodiak Hydraulic Brake Line Kit # 18SI-BLKIT will work.

I've added links to video reviews of these parts for you to take a look at as well as a link to a help article on adding hydraulic disc brakes that you should find useful.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Frank

2/22/2018

Hello This is a follow up to my last question about addint brakes to my trailer. Magic tilt offers a kit for either drum or disk breaks. My trailer is 22ft single axle rated for 3500lbs. Total trailer weight is 740lbs. My ski boat with a full tank weighs in at about 3000lbs. Am I best to go with this brand name kit or am I free to go with another after market option? Do you recommend disk vs drum. Probably will only put 300-400 miles per year on the trailer at most.

Kyle S.

2/22/2018

You are absolutely free to go with an aftermarket option for disc brakes which will also likely be the more cost-effective solution you said you were looking for. As for disc or drum brakes I recommend you stick with the disc brakes you were asking about; disc brakes have fewer moving parts and will require less maintenance than drum brakes.

Frank

2/22/2018

Kyle S.

2/22/2018

You will need to get a disc brake kit with a replacement hub and rotor that has a 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern in order to use your 4-bolt mounting flange. To do this you are going to need to take apart your current hub and check the bearing numbers, which will be stamped on the bearings themselves. For example, Kodiak Disc Brake Kit # K2HR35DS uses inner bearing # L68149, outer bearing # L44649 and grease seal # RG06-050, which has an inner diameter of 1.719". For you to be able to use this kit your hub would need to match up. If you let me know the bearing numbers and grease seals I would be able to help you find the appropriate kit.