How to Convert Drum Brakes to Disc Brakes on a 2005 Boat Trailer

Published 12/18/2009

Products Featured in This Question

Kodiak Disc Brake Kit - 10" Hub/Rotor - 5 on 4-1/2 - Dacromet - 3,500 lbs

(88)

$494.94

Hub Bearing Kit for Lippert, Dexter, and AL-KO Axles - 3,500 lb with #84 Spindle

(2741)

$15.94

Question:

Hello, I have a 2005 Boat trailer with Surge Drum brakes, that are completely trashed. I am thinking about making the switch to disc brakes. Do you have any videos available showing your conversion kit being installed... removing all necessary drum barke parts and replacing to disc brake compatible parts?

asked by: David S

Expert Reply:

The Kodiak Dacromet Disc Brake Conversion Kit, item # K2HR35D, would be a good choice for conversion to disc brakes on your boat trailer. We have not had the opportunity to do a video installation for the disc brake conversion yet, but I will go through the installation with you.

Before starting you will need to make some determinations to be sure you get the correct conversion kit and that you have the correct components on your trailer to work with the kit. You will need to be sure that the Spindle on your trailer matches the bearings, # BK2-100, that are used in the conversion kit. The # K2HR35D kit, is built for the # 84 spindle. Next you will need to make sure that your hydraulic coupler is rated for disc brakes. Hydraulic Disc brake couplers do not have a check valve installed in the mastercylinder like hudraulic drum brake couplers do. If your coupler is not set up for disc brakes then you will need to remove the check valve or replace the coupler on the trailer. When replacing the coupler you will need to know the Gross Trailer Weight and the ball size that is required for your trailer.

Once you have a kit selected and have a coupler that is designed for use with disc brakes, and matched to your trailer, then you will be ready for installation. Installation is fairly straight forward. There is a mounting flange in the kit that will bolt directly to the mounting flange on the axle. Next you will install the new hub and rotor assemblies with the bearings and seals. After this the calipers are installed over the rotors and secured to the mounting flange. Finally you will install the new brake actuator, and/or plumb the brake lines to the disc brake calipers and bleed the system.

If you would like to let me know the particular parts on your trailer I would be happy to make a recommendation specific to your application. The information needed will be the brand and model number of the actuator on your trailer, the weight capacity of the axles on your trailer, the number of axles that will require brakes, the inner and outer bearing part numbers on your spindles, the grease seal part numbers on your hubs, and the bolt pattern of your original hub/wheel combination. The races for the bearings are furnished with the hub.

expert reply by: Robert G