Recommended Replacement Drum Brakes for Boat Trailer with 3500-lbs Axles

Question

Question:

I own a boat trailer and thinking about replacing the brakes/backing plates. Its a tandem axle trailer with 3500 lb axles....10inch by 2 1/4inch hydraulic brakes. I see there are several choices on your website. Some are free backing. My trailer has surge brakes with a breakaway feature to apply brakes if it were to come off the hitch. Which one would you recommend? Thanks !

asked by: Dean C

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

I recommend using the Hydraulic Brake Kit - Uni-Servo - Free Backing - Dacromet - 10" - Left/Right Hand - 3,500 lbs # AKFBBRK-35-D, which will work with your current setup and are perfect because the Dacromet plating is designed to withstand exposure to water; so they're ideal for boat trailers. These brakes are free backing, so they'll allow your trailer to backup regardless of whether or not you've got a lockout feature on your actuator, and they'll work with a breakaway kit.

If you've got an actuator with a reverse lockout, you can use a duo-servo set like the Demco Hydraulic Brake Kit - Duo-Servo - Galvanized - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K # DMSB18794M-93M, which are also designed for boat trailers.

Both of these brake kits will require mounting hardware, which is available with part # BRKH10A. You may also need a brake adjustment spoon like the # W80630 to adjust them after installation and perform adjustment periodically. The brakes do come with backing plates included.

I've linked some review videos of these brakes for you to have a look at.

expert reply by: Erik B

1

Answer 1

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 2

Based on the information you provided either the Titan Hydraulic Brake Kit - Free Backing - 10" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 3,750 lbs #T4071600-500 or #T4423500-400 will fit your drums. The only difference between these two brakes is…

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Answer 3

Thanks for reaching out! The replacement brake pads for your Demco Kar Kaddy SS #DM9713045 can be found as part #DM59VR on our site. This includes parts for both sides of the tow dolly. If you want to replace the whole assembly then you can do so…

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Answer 4

The coupler should be very difficult to push in by hand but it doesn't return on its own. There is likely a problem inside your coupler that will need to be addressed to get it working properly again. It is most likely the shock that is inside.…

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Answer 5

I spoke with my contact at Optronics and he stated that the lights in the Thin-Line LED Racing Light Kit, #LS-108, have an output of 180 Candelas. Candelas are about the same as Lumens. The output in Lumens is 179.8. Each light has an amperage draw…

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Answer 6

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 7

I think you are going in the right direction. I would definitely replace the 14 gauge wire going to the trailer brake magnets with 10 gauge wire or larger. Usually larger than 10 gauge is hard to get into the trailer connector though. I would also…

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Answer 8

We have a online diagram that will help you understand how the break away system is wired into your trailer. It is actually a simple installation. The system splices into the existing trailer wiring. The break away box will have 3 wires coming out of…

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Answer 9

According to my research the following wires for the 7-Way on your 2019 Chevy Silverado 2500 should carry the following functions: Green OR White/Green - Reverse White - Ground Blue - Brake Controller Green OR Green/Purple - Right Turn/Stop Red/Black…

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Answer 10

The biggest difference between the servo styles that you'll notice is between free backing plates and the others. The free-backing plates will allow your trailer to back up without having the brakes lock up. With surge brakes typically when you…

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Answer 11

It sounds like you either have bad grounds for the brake assemblies or you are using too small of gauge for the brake assemblies themselves. The brake output circuit should be 10 gauge wire like the part #10-1-1 which is sold by the foot. Make sure…

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Answer 12

Typically the brake magnet of an assembly is held on with clips like the part #BP19-001. If you have the part #23-27 then what you'd need is the #BP19-001.

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