Posted 2013-12-09 11:02 PM (#156176 - in reply to #156174) Subject: RE: disc brakes
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
A lot depends on how heavy a trailer you are pulling and under what circumstances your travels entail. If you are constantly traversing mountainous terrains, and are without an engine braking system, a lot of the towing weight is being handled by the trailer's brakes. Drum brakes will fade with continued usage and high heat cycles, so repetitive braking on long down hills, could result in some braking loss or even failure.
If your travels include relatively level, open roads where braking is not often encountered, drum brakes normally are enough. Most trailer drum braking systems, are capable enough to lock up the brakes on a level dry surface. Adding more brakes will have little affect on the contact patch between the tires and pavement. The disc brakes will allow more stops without fading, and can handle higher braking heat cycles.
If your present drum brakes are incapable of a full lock up on pavement, the discs can increase the braking capability, up to the adhesion of the tires' contact patches. Once that effort is attained, more braking capabilities are unnecessary.
Posted 2013-12-10 8:22 AM (#156180 - in reply to #156174) Subject: RE: disc brakes
Elite Veteran
Posts: 802 Location: Tenn/Ala.
One benefit is it can be easier/cheaper to replace disc pads over shoes. So if you travel a lot, disc may recover some of the investment down the road.
For what it is worth- many folks seem to wear out disc brakes faster, but some of that is they seem to keep the brakes turned up "hotter" since the brakes work better anyway. Also- since the option is usually spec'd on heavier axles, you have consistent braking from the start, as opposed to electric that have to heat up before they work to full capacity.
Posted 2013-12-10 10:26 AM (#156181 - in reply to #156174) Subject: RE: disc brakes
Veteran
Posts: 259 Location: Topeka Ks
Multiple variables make up the towing capacity of a vehicle. One of which is brake system. In a very non-technical language. The trucks system is designed to stop the vehicle and a portion of the payload. The trailers system is designed to stop the trailer and a portion of the payload. Looking at the effectiveness of a certain brake systems. The disc system is far more effective than the drum system. However when you consider utilization and driving habits as Gard explains. You may be fine with the drum system.I have hydraulic drums on my trailer and likely won't spend the $1,500.00 to retrofit them to a hydraulic discs. They do what I need them to do.Jim
Posted 2013-12-11 7:06 PM (#156206 - in reply to #156174) Subject: RE: disc brakes
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 379 Location: Missouri
I wouldn't look at upgrading to disk brakes just to cut back on the size of the truck. The size of the truck also matters in handling the trailer both towing and side motion, braking is only one part of the equation for properly matching a truck to the trailer.
Posted 2013-12-14 9:59 PM (#156240 - in reply to #156174) Subject: RE: disc brakes
Veteran
Posts: 188 Location: Ingalls, Ks
I have a bloomer with disc brakes. After 3 years of fighting with the Kodiak disc conversion that came from the factory I ordered all new dexter axles with their disc brake system. So far so good, but the only way I'd go disc is to get an axle with disc from the manufacturer. Problems were, cracked brake lines, caliper bolts come loose. Pads ,with faulty rivets, falling out of the caliper. At least drum brakes go away slowly. These things would be fine when you leave the yard and totally not work when you get a few miles away from home!! So no I wouldn't spend the money.
disc brakes
