In a message dated 1/18/04 9:55:10 AM, chbenneck@juno.com writes:

Hi Scott,

I have been contemplating trailer brakes for the Trailrite trailer for my M15. What kind of brakes are you using? Electric or hydraulic? Are you happy with them? .......or would you change to something else? Drum, or disk? If you had to do it again from scratch, which way would you go, and most importantly, .....why?

I am hauling the M15 with my VW Jetta VR6 wagon.

Thanks for your input.

Connie

Hi Connie, I should clarify that the brakes in question are on the Flicka trailer, and not the M15. If I were to add brakes to the M15, I would prefer disk surge/hydraulic brakes. Electric Brakes are seldom used on boat trailers, as the components/connections don't like to be submerged. The problem with the drum brakes (Dexter brakes on all four wheels) on my Flicka trailer is that you have to remove the dust/grease cap, cotter pin, castle nut, outer bearing, etc. to get the drum off in order to clean/flush/inspect. Mine were a rusty mess, and they have never seen salt water. The disks, on the other hand, are easy to flush/inspect, and are now available in stainless. I intend to switch over at some point. As for adding brakes to the M15 trailer, I believe the limiting factor would be finding a disk/caliper setup small enough to fit the inside of the tiny rims (mine on the M15 are 12"). There are, however, 7" drums available that might work (confirm inner and outer spindle diameter for fit). I noted that there are now corrosion resistant backing plates and aluminum wheel cylinders available that might help. I would still flush them religiously. You might have to order a new axle, as the stock axle lacks the mountings for the either the backing plates (drum) or the calipers (disks). The surge/hydraulic couplers are specific to drum or disk systems. My Atwood coupler is set up for drum, but apparently can be converted to disk by changing out the master cylinder. The coupler can either be bolted or welded on. After what I have been through with mine (welded on), I think I would opt for bolted next time around. Some surge brakes have a tendency to lock when you try to back the trailer (backing duplicates the same activation as the weight shifting forward while stopping). My coupler has a lockout feature that disables the pivoting head from activating the hydraulics. Some of the newer drum systems have a free backing feature built in. Others (and some disk systems) use a backing solenoid activated by the vehicle's backup light circuit. I too rely heavily on Champion Trailer Supply for parts and info. They sell parts as well as custom tailored systems and axles. I would recommend downloading their complete catalog (PDF file) for review. There is a wealth of information there: www.championtrailers.com Hope this helps. Scott