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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Trailer Brakes

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Jim Mc
1st Mate

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USA
43 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/29/2005 : 14:13:30

I am in the process of ordering a Trail-Rite trailer for my C250 WK. The Trail-Rite sales Rep says that they now provide Catalina with surge/disc brakes on one set of axels. Would appreciate any feedback on best type of brakes and the number of axels with brakes. I plan to buy a Toyota Tundra V8 4X4 to tow boat.

Edited by - on

Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1768 Posts

Response Posted - 08/29/2005 : 15:25:16

Hi Jim,

I'm no expert when it comes to trailers/brakes, but I've been very impressed with comments I've read by Larry Charlott ... he seems to know a lot about trailers, towing vehicles, etc.

Larry might not see this post ... he has a C-25, and I don't know if he reads the C-250 posts very often. If you don't get the responses you'd like, I would suggest you either re-post this topic in the General Forum, send an email to Larry, or both ... 'just a thought.

Good luck!

Edited by - on

atgep
Master Marine Consultant

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1009 Posts

Response Posted - 08/30/2005 : 06:25:59

That is a very good question.

I ordered a new trailer and my dealer told me I only needed brakes on the front axle. I now wish I ordered them for both.
1 In some states it is the law to have all wheels braked.
2 When in stop/go traffic, the front wheels/hubs heat up and cause the front tire pressure to rise.
3 In the event of a blowout on the front axle, only one wheel would be available for braking.

The counter to all this is more maintenance. With disk brakes, you are talking squirting it off with a hose.

Tom.

Edited by - on

moserd
Navigator

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USA
149 Posts

Response Posted - 08/30/2005 : 13:16:34

I have a 2005 WK with brakes (disc) on both axles (Road King trailer). Due to issues with the supports for my trailer I have not towed much (yet) however I really like the idea of brakes on both axles. One word also, make sure that the keel guides are positioned so that the wing does NOT make contact, else you may end up with my problem. See my earlier post RE wing keel damage.

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Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1913 Posts

Response Posted - 08/30/2005 : 18:24:23

Tom, You bring up some good points. I only have drums on the front axle. If I were ordering a new trailer and had a choice I would pay the extra and have them on each axle.

Edited by - on

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 09/04/2005 : 16:58:41

You may also want to check to see that your state does not require electric brakes only. Some states do not allow hydrolic surge brakes.

I just had the surge brake actuator replaced and the brakes redone after 13 years of not having brakes. I normally only trailer 2 miles to and from my local ramp once a year, so it has not been a problem. I feel much safer now though. I don't have to creep along on the highway any longer. I will say this however. In all the years I pulled my boat without trailer brakes, I only had to replace the brakes once - I have a 1994 Silverado 1/2 ton. Most recently, eight year after replaceing the first set, I had 80% pad left on the front and 90% on the rears. The only reason I had the trailer redone this year is in anticipation of a trip down to John Vinings to sail the North Channel of Lake Huron next season. New tires are also planned since mine are now badly cracked from sitting in the sun for so many years.

Please note. I had to replace the brake actuator because I let the brake fluid get so low that the tank rusted on the inside. Not a good situation with hydrolics. Make sure you check the brake fluid resevoir regularly. It cost me $135 for a new actuator plus $50 for installation. I high price to pay for lack of attention to detail.

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 09/07/2005 : 21:19:08

Trailer brakes are usually designed and rated for no more than the capacity of the axle they are installed on.

A single set of brakes on a 3500 lb axle are rated for stopping a 3500 lb load.

Why and how the mfg is putting a single set of brakes on a 7000 lb rated trailer is beyond me.

I found my single axle brakes were heating up quite a bit... I added a second axle set (very easy to do if your axle has backing plate flanges) and the brakes run so much cooler. Lots more confidence on those downhills... or for a panic stop.

This site: http://www.championtrailers.com/ has a lot of good info on brakes and axles... they also sell parts and etc. Have done a lot of business with them. Good people.

Edited by - on

Jim Mc
1st Mate

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USA
43 Posts

Response Posted - 09/17/2005 : 00:50:33

Thanks for all the input. Based on the Forum and conversations with Trail-Rite's service manager, I purchased a trailer with disc brakes on both axles. It added about $450 to the trailer cost, but I think it is well worth the extra margin of safety.

Edited by - on

Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1913 Posts

Response Posted - 09/17/2005 : 10:07:35

Jim,
I really think you made a good investment upgrading your brakes!

Edited by - on

At Ease
Admiral

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672 Posts

Response Posted - 09/17/2005 : 20:31:26

Good move.

Just about any vehicle with a hitch can get these bad boys moving but the real problem comes into play if you need to stop...in a hurry.

Edited by - on

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.