Recommended Disc Brake System for Salt Water Boat Trailer with Tandem Axles

Question

Question:

I have a tandem axle trailer with torsion axles, and a 5000 lb boat on it, I purchased part number T47154007K k, my question is, what disc brake system should I use? I live in florida, use for salt water, Im not sure if I need 1 axle of brakes or 2, front axle or rear axle, or both. could you send me your reccomentdations

asked by: Frank F

0

Expert Reply:

To get the best braking power for your boat trailer you would want to have disc brakes on both axles. If you happen to be limited to one axle then you would want the rear outfitted.

With a 5,000lb boat you likely have two 3,500lb torsion axles. The best finish for a salt water application is going to be stainless steel, next would be the KodaGuard and then Dacromet.

For a 3,500lb 10 inch hub and rotor in stainless you will want a quantity of 2 # K1HR35S. Stainless is the best for salt water but can be a bit pricey.

For a 3,500lb 10 inch set of hub and rotors in the stainless and dacromet finish # K2HR35DS.

The set of 10 inch hub and rotors in the dacromet and KodaGuard is # K2HR35DKG.

Depending on your setup length, you will also need a line kit for your disc brakes, I have linked our line kits to this page for you to check out.

You will also want to confirm that your bearing numbers match the above to ensure fitment.

I have linked all the above mentioned products to this page for your convenience.

expert reply by: Jackie C

0

Rick M.

10/18/2024

Jackie, Why do you recommend trailer brakes only on rear tandem axle trailers with single braking system attached yet the manufacturer puts them on the front? I would think they would know what is right but I'm curious on your thoughts for this. What is your specific knowledge training on the engineering of trailer braking systems on trailers?

Reply

Jameson C.

10/18/2024

@RickM I am actually in the unique position to be able to ask her this question although she is in currently at the hospital with me going into labor with our kid... Basically she told me to go ahead and let me answer this, so for normal tandem axle trailers yes the front axle is better since the weight shifts forward when the brakes are applied, but on boat trailers most of the weight of the boat is behind the rear axle due to the heavy motor so the logic is that the rear axle will have slightly more weight on it still when braking.

Reply

Answer 1

Thanks for reaching out, Sam! The Kodiak Disc Brakes #KOD59FR with the Dacromet/KodaGuard are definitely a solid choice, but the hub-rotors and brackets only have a 300- to 400-hour salt spray rating and the calipers have a 500- to 600-hour salt…

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Answer 2

Thank you for providing all of that information! From the photos and dimensions it looks like you have the suspension kit that's equivalent to the Tandem-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit #APT5. For your axle and hanger spacing you need lead springs that…

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Answer 3

There is no perfect calculation for safety chain length since it all depends on the setup you have. Safety chains should be crossed when attached, and also short enough to keep your coupler off of the ground should your trailer disconnect. They also…

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Answer 4

Yes, the Dexter Single Axle Heavy Duty Suspension Kit part #K71-403-00 will work on tandem axle trailer you'll just need to purchase multiple kits. This is a standard kit that will work great for most trailers but if you're looking for an…

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Answer 5

There are a couple of ways to mount the Kodiak Tee Fitting for Hydraulic Brake Hose - Brass - 3/16" Female Inverted Flares #BH-T-3FIF. Many will use brake line mounting hardware on either side of the brake line which will provide enough…

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Answer 6

We have one double-eye leaf spring that has a 7,000 lb axle rating. For that you would want the part #e64SR. The hanger kit you would need then to go with that is the Dexter Heavy Duty kit part #K71-360-00. The axle spacing will be 33 inches which is…

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Answer 7

The Dexter Heavy Duty Suspension Kit #K71-360-00 has equalizers are 7 inches from bolt hole center to center and 5-3/4 inches bolt center to center. This kit when used with double eye springs like #e64SR will give you the 33 inch on center axle…

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Answer 8

The best tire we have in the size ST235/80R16 that you referenced would be the #TTWTRTM2358016E. This radial tire is a Load Range E with a 3,520 lbs at 80 psi capacity and a speed rating of 81 miles per hour. Normally trailer tires are only rated for…

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Answer 9

Hello Gregg, I think I can help shed some light on what is going on. Basically, there are two ways to stop surge brakes from actuating when backing up the trailer. The first and most popular way to do this is to use a surge brake actuator with a…

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Answer 10

To replace your Kodiak Brakes and Rotors you will want to use the Kodiak Disc Brake Kit item #K2R526S. This all in one kit will give you everything you need to replace your braking system on the axle you lost a bearing on. This set has stainless…

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Answer 11

Water and electricity don't really get along. That being said, we are seeing more trailer boat manufacturers install electric brakes on their trailers and it not being an issue at all. If the wiring is solid the circuits don't short out.…

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Answer 12

You would know to replace brake shoes the same way you would know with a vehicle. If performance is suffering and adjusting the brakes does not help and there are no other issues causing the poor performance it is probably time to change the brake…

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Recommended Disc Brake System for Salt Water Boat Trailer with Tandem Axles

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