Parts Needed to Add Hydraulic Disc Brakes to Load Rite 3,500 lb Trailer

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Question:

Hello, I have a load rite single axle trailer rated for 3500lbs. It has no brakes right now. I want to place an order for everything I need to install brakes. I think I want Surge disk brakes. Can you tell me exactly which products I need to order to install the brakes myself or have my local mechanic do it? The trailer does have a flange at the wheel to mount the brakes on. many thanks

asked by: David

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Expert Reply:

Adding hydraulic disc brakes to your Load Rite boat trailer is an excellent choice since you won't have any electrical components, so your trailer can safely be backed into water. On top of that, when compared to hydraulic drum brakes, disc brakes stop harder and require less maintenance.

For a stainless steel disc brake kit, I recommend the Kodiak Disc Brake Kit # K2R35S. It uses a 5 on 4-1/2 wheel bolt pattern, most commonly found on 3,500 lb axle setups. This kit will provide you with two slip on rotors to fit over your existing idler hubs, two disc brake calipers and two brake mounting brackets with a 4 bolt pattern to attach to your existing flanges with the included bolts - all parts are stainless steel for the best protection against rust and corrosion.

You'll also need a hydraulic brake actuator and a brake line kit. For the actuator, you can use Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator w/ Electric Lockout - Disc - Zinc - 2" Ball - 7,000 lbs # DM62VR and for the lines, I recommend the Kodiak 18' Brake Line Kit # 18SI-BLKIT, compatible with either torsion or leaf spring axles.The Kodiak Hydraulic Brake Line Kit works for trailers up to 20' long, so if you need a different length, I've attached a link at the bottom of the page with our compete selection of brake line kits for single axle trailers.

Also linked below is our FAQ with tons of detailed information about adding hydraulic disc brakes to a trailer.

expert reply by: Carla M

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Answer 1

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 2

The manual lockout on your Atwood 85778 surge brake coupler is there so that you can back up the trailer without the brakes locking up on you. Yes you can safely tow your trailer with the broken manual lockout, you just have to make sure you…

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Answer 3

To determine the size of the brake assemblies you need you have to measure the depth and width of the hub drum on the axle like what you see in the picture I attached. The most common size is 2-1/4 inch wide like the #T4071600-500 that you…

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Answer 4

To find the load capacity for your axle you should look on the trailer VIN plate or sticker that lists the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that…

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Answer 5

Hey Kevin, for your Demco DA70 actuator you can use the Reverse Lockout Solenoid for Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuators #DM11993.

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Answer 6

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 7

To determine the size of the hub assembly you need to purchase you have to determine which bearings are in the old assembly. If the old assembly has L44649 inner bearings, you would use the hub you chose #8-258-5UC1. If the inner bearings are marked…

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Answer 8

There really isn't a particular maximum trailer weight that is used to determine when brakes need to be added to both axles of a tandem axle setup. While I do still recommend checking your local laws, I am also not aware of any general laws that…

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Answer 9

You will need to measure the diameter of the spindles where the seal and bearings ride. Check out the picture I attached that shows where this is. You will need an exact measurement so either a digital or dial caliper will be needed. To pick out the…

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Answer 10

Traditionally, trailer manufacturers did not use electric brakes on boat trailers because the brake magnet wiring and trailer wiring did not always have the best insulation or water protection. These days, more and more manufacturers are using…

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Answer 11

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a ST175/80D13 like…

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Answer 12

Depending on how the trailer was made, there will be a few spots you can check to identify the axle. First, if the trailer was pre-made by a specific company, you may be able to find this information in either the paperwork or on a placard somewhere…

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Parts Needed to Add Hydraulic Disc Brakes to Load Rite 3,500 lb Trailer

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