Posted 2008-01-14 11:56 AM (#74384) Subject: Electric/hydraulic brakes
Member
Posts: 14
Location: Ohio
I am considering ordering a trailer with electric/hydraulic brakes. Has anyone found this type of brake system to have more stopping power than standard electric brakes? Does it matter if you have drum or disc brakes in conjunction with the hydraulic system?
Posted 2008-01-14 12:33 PM (#74388 - in reply to #74384) Subject: RE: Electric/hydraulic brakes
New User
Posts: 2
Location: Springfield S.C.
I had 4 star 24 foot on the floor With electric brakes. Traded up to a 4 star 34 feet on floor with Electric Hydraulic.It is like night and day ,the stopping power is at least twice as good with just electric.I would never have another trailer without electric/hydraulic. Well worth the extra money.
Posted 2008-01-14 4:50 PM (#74399 - in reply to #74384) Subject: RE: Electric/hydraulic brakes
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Does anyone know if a hardware kit for a drum to disc brake trailer conversion is available? This is a common procedure on older cars, and greatly improves the stopping power. It would involve more than just the rotors and calipers, with the additional hydraulics, spindles and possibly different wheel stud spacing.
A nominally priced kit would be a welcomed addition to a large number of trailers currently in use. The folks who travel in mountainous terrain, and those who have long heavy trailers, would greatly benefit form such an alteration. It would extend the service life of the trailer. Checking brake wear would not entail pulling a brake drum, and the pad replacement is usually easier than changing brake shoes.
Posted 2008-01-14 6:35 PM (#74408 - in reply to #74384) Subject: RE: Electric/hydraulic brakes
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 383 Location: Texas
I don't think there is such a kit. From what I remember when I was checking all that stuff out a couple years ago the disc brakes require more psi to operate so the electric/hydraulic actuator is different for drums than it is for discs. Of course you can buy everything to do all the stuff you were talking about..... I think I can find links I had saved if you want.
Back to the original question, go electric/hydraulic and get the discs. Discs have less brake fade on long hills plus all the above said pros. Only con is that they are initially more expensive. Another good axle/wheel related option is oil bath bearings instead of the standard grease ones. You may not be able to get that on lower rated axles however.
Posted 2008-01-14 8:08 PM (#74420 - in reply to #74384) Subject: RE: Electric/hydraulic brakes
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by cdmaeng1 on 2008-01-14 11:56 AM
I am considering ordering a trailer with electric/hydraulic brakes. Has anyone found this type of brake system to have more stopping power than standard electric brakes? Does it matter if you have drum or disc brakes in conjunction with the hydraulic system?
You are going to probably have to change your current brake controller...there are only a few that work with electric/hydraulic brakes.
Electric/hydraulic brakes
