Adding Brakes

[daniel123]

I have a 1999 Osprey 200 on a single-axle aluminum Continental Trailer and the rig weighs 3660 pounds. Last year I replaced the axle, springs, rims and tires and seem to have eliminated the cupping on the latter, which was probably due to the axle not being square to the frame (thanks again for that diagnosis, Coverhill). It seems to tow fine behind my Tahoe, but I realize it's borderline to tow a boat that size/weight on a single-axle trailer. Short of buying a tandem, I'm considering adding brakes to the trailer, which has never had them,and doing the install job myself with a mechanically-gifted buddy. I have researched the subject on here and it looks like stainless disc brakes are the way to go - especially since I tow the rig to Florida annually and it gets a salt dunking at least once a year. Any advice is welcome.

[flounderpounder225]

I will say one thing for Brakes.. KODIAK.. I have been down this road (haha) a few times, and nothing has out performed, or even lasted this long as the Kodiaks I installed 2 years ago.  Your axles need to have flanges on them to accept brakes, and I would spring for a new titan actuator made for Disc Brakes.  But you won't regret spending the extra dollars for Kodiak if having brakes is what you want.  My local guy did a little better than eastern marine, but I think they have one of the best prices online.  http://www.easternmarine.com/kodiak-8-trailer-disc-brakes-1-pair-s-cad-2rcms-8-2-scad

[daniel123]

Thanks for the excellent advice, Marc. I'm hoping others chime in with their two cents worth. I'm wondering if it's worth the expense and trouble if the rig sans brakes has been performing ok so far. And yes, I realize I may not find out until an emergency stop is required...

[RickK]

Ditto on what Marc says. 
I got mine from SturdyBuilt trailers - check them out online.  I installed myself (but I had disks already)

[daniel123]

Thanks for the info. I wonder how hard it's going to be to add brakes to a trailer that's never had 'em....

[flounderpounder225]

when you replaced the axle, did you buy one with square flanges behind the spindle that has 4 bolt holes.  That is the critical question.  If not, to add brakes you would have to pull the axle and have them added to each side.  If yes, then adding brakes is a breeze with basic mechanical ability.  One more part you will need, plus a brake line kit.  Your rig is not that heavy, my 245 is a brute, I ran without brakes for 4 years after buying it.  My 2500 didn't have a big problem stopping it, but if I had to really nail the pedal at 45 mph or faster, I think it would have been messy.  Now, the boat helps stop the truck.  By the time your done (if you have the flanges already) you should figure $500 for the budget with Kodiaks, less if you go with another brand like Tie-down.  If your traveling distance I would say do it, if its just here and there, your truck is probably fine.  I know in FL 3500 lbs is the law, but I never truly worried about that because I rarely have to travel more than a few miles to get to the water.
http://www.easternmarine.com/titan-dico-model-60-lever-lock-disc-actuator-w-solenoid

[RickK]

I think I paid $600ish from SturdyBuilt. In this googlistic (word?) world we live in, a couple clicks will show you the best price.  I bought from SturdyBuilt because they are local.

[daniel123]

I don't believe I asked for, or received, an axle with those flanges when I replaced it last year since I didn't know to, but I'll check. Meanwhile it sounds like at 3660 lbs (boat and trailer and fishing stuff) I'm just over the brakes-required regs when I tow to FL each spring. Do they actually stop you and check that sort of thing if it appears you are in violation?

[RickK]

You are not required to pull into weigh stations along the FL interstate if that is what you're asking.  And I doubt you'll be pulled over with a small boat unless there is an apparent safety problem.
A Tahoe pulling a 20ft boat is not going to attract attention.  Can you stop it and are you comfortable with your answer, is the question.

I was at a big local boat ramp and my buddy and I were adjusting the position of my 230 on the trailer (6900+lbs loaded) and then we'd take it onto the nearby highway to test it.  On one trial I sped up to the 45mph speed limit, like I had several times before, and as soon as I reached 45mph a woman turned in front of me from across from the other direction and then stopped for the gutter momentarily....
I slammed on the brakes, had no brakes on the boat trailer, the '06 Tundra was maxed on tow weight and.... it was fine.  My buddy saw images of my boat sliding down the highway, etc, it just didn't happen probably because I didn't have to swerve to get around this dope that stopped in front of me -the tongue weight was about right and the boat was on the trailer about right (ties into the tongue weight) and the truck stopped it with no problems. I drove short distances for another 3 years until I had brakes added and then I switched out to stainless 4 years later.

[daniel123]

I actually have never had an issue with towing/stopping the Tahoe/200 Osprey/3600lb rig without brakes, including a trip to FLA and back. Unless they are really needed, as brake systems certainly are on larger rigs, one buddy considers them just one more thing to, well, break. But if these stainless ones are reliable and hold-up following my annual salt dunks, I'm still thinking they are worth adding.  Now I just have to determine how much effort that demands - starting with those flanges...