Re: Trailer Brakes

[Bob Schimmel <bpschim@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I have 10" brakes on both axles of my trailer. This is standard for a 
14" or 15" rim. If you have brakes on only one axle, it must be the 
front axle.
7" brakes are far too small for a 5000 lb load. With both axles braking 
there is fantastic stopping power. With the loaded trailer behind my 
Cherokee I can actually stop in the same distance as without the 
trailer. I wouldn't recommend going for land stopping records here but I 
was in a emergency situation where we were able to measure our stopping 
distance. It was just slightly longer than the empty Jeep. Thank God I 
could keep the rig in a straight line. Since I could have hit the brakes 
slightly harder I'm presuming that I could have stopped quicker.  The 
problem with all this is the concern for the boat. You sure don't want 
to roll off the trailer onto the road.  This makes for a real messy 
afternoon.  Cops get kinda picky if you block the road.

I have some suggestions in the following Tech Tips 
http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/2358/a_trailer_tips/a09.html#brakes,   
http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/2358/a_trailer_tips/a04.html, 
http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/2358/a_trailer_tips/a01.html#brakes

As far as marine brakes go, this is a good idea if you are launching in 
salt water.  Standard brakes are also fine if you flush them with fresh 
water right away.  There are a couple of companies out there that supply 
flushing kits for a trailer.  Peace of mind for the next time you have 
to stop. http://www.drumbuddi.com/main.html

Hope this helps.

--


Kind Regards

Bob Schimmel
(Always stay curious)


bpschim@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx





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