Disc Brake and Actuator Conversion for 7K Tandem Axle Construction Trailer

Question

Question:

Wanting to convert to disc brakes on tandem 7k axles. Existing drums have 1/2inch 8 on 6.5 lugs, fitted with standard trailer 16inch modular wheels. Would like to upgrade to 9/16inch lugs while doing this conversion. Will I need to purchase a different wheel to accommodate the 9/16 lug? I have chosen Kodiak as mfg of the rotor, caliper, and hub. This will be installed on a 14k construction trailer that is primarily used on the interstate and when not in use is parked inside. Is E-coat sufficient for rust control? Your company sells Dexter and Hydrastar 1600psi actuators. Which one works best with Kodiak and Ford F350 in cab controller? Thank you taking my questions

asked by: Fred

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Thanks for reaching out!

You can definitely use the Kodiak Disc Brakes # KOD88FR for your tandem axle construction trailer. This does use oil as a lubricant so you'll want to be sure to clean off all of the grease from your spindles to make sure the oil is able to work effectively. Most 16" wheels are compatible with 1/2" and 9/16" lugs so I'd be surprised if your current wheels don't work with the larger lug size. The E-Coat will work just fine for your application as it's an industry standard coating.

Then for an electric-over-hydraulic actuator I recommend using the Hydrastar Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator w/ Breakaway and 7-Way RV Harness # HS381-9067. I really like the Hydrastar actuators because I've seen less troubleshooting questions for their parts over the Dexter actuator.

If you're switching from electric brakes then you will just need the actuator as part # HS381-8067 instead, but you'll need to pick up a brake line kit like part # HS496-252 that's made for 25' long tandem axle trailers.

Attached are some videos for you to check out as well as a helpful article that goes over everything you need for the disc brake conversion, just so you have a defined checklist to work through.

expert reply by: Jon G

1

Answer 1

The DeeMaxx Disc Brake Kit #DE82FR with the Maxx coating has a salt spray rating of over 1,000 hours while the DeeMaxx Disc Brake Kit #DE54VR with the Stainless construction isn't rated for salt spray, but when I spoke with the owner he said…

view full answer...

Answer 2

To get the B&W Patriot #BWRVK3200 to work with your 2006 Dodge Ram you're going to need a set of 5th wheel rails #DM8552016-71. These rails are custom fit to your vehicle so they'll just bolt right up to the frame. It is worth…

view full answer...

Answer 3

Yes you are - all 5th wheel hitches are going to require some type of rails in order to be used. So you'd need #DM8552016-71 for your 2006 Dodge Ram.

view full answer...

Answer 4

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.

view full answer...

Answer 5

After installing The Furrion Heat Strip Add-On for Furrion Air Conditioner #FR27PR on your Jayco Jay Feather 27BHB the heating strip is utilized using the existing thermostat. This heating strip will work best in smaller spaces where the…

view full answer...

Answer 6

The best fixed fifth wheel hitch we offer for your 2019 Ford F-250 with the factory fifth wheel prep package is the USA B and W Companion Hitch part #BWRVK3200. The Companion hitches are widely regarded as the best fifth wheel hitches on the market…

view full answer...

Answer 7

Yes, the Curt Custom, No-Drill Fifth Wheel Bracket Kit, #C16420, will fit your 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 short bed. I have included a link to the installation details below. I do not recommend modifying the rails to fit the brackets as it could…

view full answer...

Answer 8

Looks like you'd be good. I pulled up the towing capacity of your truck and it's rated for 15,350 lbs trailer weight and your trailer would weigh at most 12,995 lbs. The M5 Series hitch part #RP30928 that you referenced has a 20k…

view full answer...

Answer 9

Choosing the right height setting for your 5th wheel hitch is a combination of a few different variables. First of all you want your towing setup to be as level as possible. With your Montana High Country 340BH level you will want to measure from the…

view full answer...

Answer 10

Below is the general process for bleeding an electric over hydraulic brake actuator like #K71-650. Fill reservoir with NEW brake fluid. Never re-use brake fluid that has been salvaged or removed from another system. Remove the key from the breakaway…

view full answer...

Answer 11

Another wire or harness is not needed on the 2023 Honda CR-V for the install of the Curt 4-Way Wiring Harness #C56370, but you do have to add 20 amp fuse to location #17 in the fuse box.

view full answer...