Parts Needed To Upgrade Drum Brakes on Boat Trailer to Disc Brakes

Question:

Looking to convert my boat drum brakes to disk. I dont have lugs on the trailer, I have bolts that attach the wheels. 5x4.5 14inch wheels. What kit should I get for this situation? Thanks. Photo attached.

asked by: Britt

Expert Reply:

Given the size of your wheels and the bolt pattern, it's likely that you have a 3500 lb axle. You can confirm this by checking the reference numbers on your inner and outer wheel bearings. The reference number can be found on the side of the bearing cages. If you have an L68149 Inner and an L44649 outer bearing, and the diameter of the spindle where the grease seal rides is 1.719 inches in diameter, I'd recommend the Kodiak 10 inch hub/rotor kit, part # K2HR35D. If you wanted to install brakes on the non-braking axle, you'd need 2 kits.

Assuming that your boat trailer has a surge brake coupler, you'll also need to swap that out for one that's compatible with the higher pressures needed to properly operate disc brakes. If you have a 3 inch straight tongue on your trailer, the Titan # T4745720 would be a good choice, it's compatible with 1-7/8, 2 inch or 50mm trailer balls and features an electric lockout so you can back the trailer without the brakes actuating.

The kits include the hub/rotor, the calipers, the caliper mounting brackets and the mounting bolts. The bearings and grease seals are sold separately. You'll need 2 # L44649, 2 # L68149 and a # RG06-050 grease seal. You'll want to double that if you're doing both axles. The bearing races are included with the hub/rotor kit. If you don't want to reuse the bearing protectors you're using, you can replace them using part # BB1980A-SS (this assumes your spindles are compatible with a L44649 outer bearing.)

If you have different bearings, a different width trailer tongue or different size trailer ball, let me know and I can make alternate suggestions.

I've linked to an install video for the hub/rotor kit I recommended.