Parts Needed to Add Hydraulic Surge Drum Brakes to Trailer

Question:

Hi there, I am trying to see about adding brakes to my 1989 Shorelandr boat trailer for my 1989 Sea Ray 180BR. The boat and trailer weigh under 3,000 lbs together but I am towing behind a small Class-C RV and want to add as much safety as possible. The axle does have the flange for the 4-bolt brake assembly but currently just has a basic hub for the wheel. What all do I need? I would assume: • Actuator • Brake Line kit • Drum Brake • Hub/Drum Assembly Anything else? Thanks

asked by: Chris N

Expert Reply:

You are correct about the parts you need in order to add hydraulic surge drum brakes to your trailer, and the first thing you need is the right hub and drum.

In order to find the correct replacement hubs for your trailer you need to know the weight rating of your axle, and also what bearings your current hub has. You will need to take apart your current hub assembly and look at the bearings themselves; wipe away the grease and you should be able to see the part number stamped directly on them. If you are unable to find them, you need to use a digital caliper and measure your spindle to the thousandths of an inch where the bearings and grease seal ride.

You can use the photo I've attached to see exactly where you need to measure. Additionally, you need to know your hub's wheel bolt pattern; if you do not know what it is I have added a help article which details how you can find it. For example, you mentioned your trailer and boat weighed less than 3,000 lbs, so if you have a 3,500 lb axle, your hub uses inner bearing # L68149, outer bearing # L44649, and you have a 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern the correct hub is the Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly # AKHD-545-35-G-K.

This is a 10" drum that would work with 10" brake assemblies, the Hydraulic Brake Kit # AKFBBRK-35-D.

The other parts you need are a surge brake coupler that is rated for the weight you need, fits your channel, and is compatible with the hitch ball you use, like the Demco Hydraulic Trailer Brake Actuator # DM72VR which is rated for 7,000 lbs, fits a 3" channel and uses a 2" hitch ball.

Then for brake lines you can use the Kodiak Hydraulic Brake Line Kit # 18SI-BLKIT.

I have added a link to a help article which goes over everything you need for hydraulic drum brakes, as well as links to our selection of hub and drums, brakes, and actuators for you to take a look at. You can also let me know the hub and drum you have and I would be able to help you out with the parts you need.