Posted 2011-09-07 3:11 PM (#137310) Subject: disc brake upgrade or Dexter Torsion Axles With Self Adjusting Brakes
New User
Posts: 4
Location: Georgetown, TX
I am purchasing a 3 horse Logan XT bp (http://logancoach.com/Trailers/XTR/xtr.html). It comes with Dexter Torsion Axles With Self Adjusting Brakes but I can upgrade to disc brakes. I'd like to know more about disc brakes and if it is a good upgrade. Pulling with a 2007 F150 FX4, 5.4L trailer pkg and Prodigy brake controller. Safety is my top priority. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Posted 2011-09-07 7:52 PM (#137316 - in reply to #137310) Subject: RE: disc brake upgrade or Dexter Torsion Axles With Self Adjusting Brakes
Veteran
Posts: 188 Location: Ingalls, Ks
I would stay away from the disc brakes. I bought my trailer partially because of the disc brakes. I have had the trailer 2 years and have had to work on them 4 times. Luckily I do my own work, but these things are a headache. Manufacturer keeps promising me a new upgrade. Started promising in January and I finally give up about 2 weeks ago and have original replacement parts sitting in my shop right now. Will be working on them within the next week. I've never had this much trouble with drums, though I've never had self adjusting. Just my experience, can't speak for anyone else. Also, these are Dexter axles with an aftermarket disc, not Dexter disc.
Posted 2011-09-07 8:20 PM (#137318 - in reply to #137310) Subject: RE: disc brake upgrade or Dexter Torsion Axles With Self Adjusting Brakes
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 317 Location: Barnesville, Ga.
I upgraded my 40' lq to Kodiak electric hydraulic disc brakes 3 years ago and love them. I have never had a minutes trouble with them and I can stop on a dime. The kodiak kit uses standard GM rotors, calipers, and pads. It uses regular trailer bearings and seals. What sort of problems have you had with your disc brakes?
Posted 2011-09-07 8:50 PM (#137319 - in reply to #137310) Subject: RE: disc brake upgrade or Dexter Torsion Axles With Self Adjusting Brakes
Veteran
Posts: 188 Location: Ingalls, Ks
3 of the brake lines have broken the ends off which immediately dumps the fluid. That's going to be part of what I fix. One of the rear pads managed to spit itself out, and one bolt managed to fall out, though it had been checked 6 months prior, now check them about once a month, just don't care for the constant maintenance. Yes they do work great when they work.
Posted 2011-09-08 6:25 AM (#137325 - in reply to #137310) Subject: RE: disc brake upgrade or Dexter Torsion Axles With Self Adjusting Brakes
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 346
If they are breaking that easy then you may need to get longer rubber ones or change to steel. Aluminum is a No No on brake lines to the caliper. I drag my waggon every weekend and never have brake trouble and also NEVER want another trailer WITHOUT disc brakes.
I personally have better luck with service out of the Kodiak disc brakes over Dexter brakes. The Dexter brake system is $$$. Almost three times the Kodiak price to service.
Posted 2011-09-08 8:07 AM (#137326 - in reply to #137310) Subject: RE: disc brake upgrade or Dexter Torsion Axles With Self Adjusting Brakes
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
ssillett, The Logan BP you are considering will not be as heavy as the GN-LQ these other folks are discussing. You should be fine with the Drum brakes. I venture that 99% of the Bumper Pull trailers out there have similar brakes. Easy to get parts for and easy to work on.
Posted 2011-09-08 9:48 AM (#137327 - in reply to #137310) Subject: RE: disc brake upgrade or Dexter Torsion Axles With Self Adjusting Brakes
New User
Posts: 4
Location: Georgetown, TX
Thanks Painted Horse. The drum brakes do come standard, so I suspect it is true that 99% of the trailers out there have them. I saw that the disc were an option for this trailer and wanted to know if they would be interesting. My truck isn't that big and I wasn't sure if it could handle a trailer that size even with the brake controller. I now understand that they are probably more interesting on a GN because of the size of the trailer.
Posted 2011-09-08 9:48 AM (#137328 - in reply to #137310) Subject: RE: disc brake upgrade or Dexter Torsion Axles With Self Adjusting Brakes
New User
Posts: 4
Location: Georgetown, TX
Thanks Painted Horse. The drum brakes do come standard, so I suspect it is true that 99% of the trailers out there have them. I saw that the disc were an option for this trailer and wanted to know if they would be interesting. My truck isn't that big and I wasn't sure if it could handle a trailer that size even with the brake controller. I now understand that they are probably more interesting on a GN because of the size of the trailer.
Posted 2011-09-08 8:04 PM (#137345 - in reply to #137310) Subject: RE: disc brake upgrade or Dexter Torsion Axles With Self Adjusting Brakes
Veteran
Posts: 188 Location: Ingalls, Ks
Brake lines are all steel, no aluminum involved, going to switch over to rubber with steel ends if I can get them to fit. My guess is some kind of harmonic setting up in the caliper when you look at the way the lines are breaking. This trailer was equipped with this setup from the factory, wasn't my doing, it's just my problem now. As I said before this is my experience only, can't speak for others.
Posted 2011-09-09 10:22 AM (#137351 - in reply to #137310) Subject: RE: disc brake upgrade or Dexter Torsion Axles With Self Adjusting Brakes
Elite Veteran
Posts: 798 Location: Tenn/Ala.
301 Duster- Are you saying yours are hard plumbed completely? Generally, there is a rubber line at the calipar to account for axle articulation & vibration as you've mentioned. Just curious.
Posted 2011-09-11 1:04 PM (#137406 - in reply to #137310) Subject: RE: disc brake upgrade or Dexter Torsion Axles With Self Adjusting Brakes
Veteran
Posts: 188 Location: Ingalls, Ks
Yes, rubber line from frame to spindle. Goes into a "bulkhead" fitting welded to the spindle arm which absorbs torsion. The problem is the 10" steel line going from the bulkhead fitting to the caliper. I have found a place that can crimp a rubber line with steel ends and feel like that should solve the problem. Also going to drill the bolt heads and install .045 safety wire and should fix the bolts backing out. Hopefully all of that will get us more dependable.
disc brake upgrade or Dexter Torsion Axles With Self Adjusting Brakes
