Picking Out New Axles and Converting 1997 Escort Trailer to Disc Brakes

Question:

I have a 1997 Escort trailer that came with our Bayliner Capri 2052 when bought new. The trailer needs some work as it’s brakes are shot and I believe the axel is as well. It’s hydraulic drum breaks with a Titan model 60ZX7000 hitch receiver that my father put on when he owned it. I’m not sure if the brakes ever worked as there is no fluid in the reservoir or lines. They froze up on me when I tried to take it out and I took one wheel off and drum apart and the parts just fell out of it, completely shot. I can not locate the correct parts anywhere for this trailer and hope you can help. . I believe I need a new axel, brakes, brake lines, drums, hubs, leif springs, Titan hitch received...basically everything except rim and tires. I’m also considering converting it to disk brakes. It’s used 99 of the time in the salt water. Can you help in recommending the correct parts to get this road worthy again? Thank you in advance!

asked by: Jim W

Expert Reply:

First thing you need is the correct axle for your trailer. Which to pick that out requires you to get info on the axle you currently have as there's no way for me to look up what your trailer would have had. I need you to get me the axle capacity you have (typically found on VIN plate or on axle itself), the distance between the spring seats of the axle, the distance from hub face to hub face on the axle and finally the bolt pattern of the wheel you have.

Then for leaf springs I'll need the length of your current springs from spring eye to spring eye with no load on the trailer.

After that we can pick out the disc brake kit for the axle you'll need. To do that the axle capacity and bolt pattern is needed too. Stainless steel kits are the way to go for saltwater as they do the best job preventing corrosion.

I attached a link to a guide we put together that covers adding surge disc brakes to a trailer for you to check out too. It will walk you through the entire process.

expert reply by: Jameson C