Are Disc Trailer Brakes Wider or Narrower than Drum Brakes When Considering Frame Clearance

Question:

I have a low profile, drive over fender equipment trailer that has 12x2 drums. My concern is clearance. There is only 3/4inch from the trailer frame to the back the the drum backing plate. Do the calipers and brackets sit farther back than the drum backing plate?

asked by: Grant W

Expert Reply:

Disc brake setups in general are smaller than drum brakes. Drums need to be wide to allow as much contact for the shoes/pads of the assemblies but since disc brakes squeeze a rotor that turns they don't have to be as wide to be as efficient. So basically if you have clearance now for drum brakes going to a disc brake kit like the # K2HR712 would also clear.

expert reply by: Jameson C