Is a 1600 psi Brake Actuator too Much for Kodiak 10 Inch Disc Trailer Brakes

Updated 08/01/2016 | Published 07/30/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter DX Series Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuator for Disc Brakes - 1,600 psi

(116)

$934.33

Dexter Hydraulic Brake Lines and Fittings for Single-Axle, Torsion-Axle Trailers

(20)

$159.73

Question:

I have a 10inch Dacromet Coated Kodiak Disc Brake system on one axle. The second axle is free-wheeling. On a boat trailer. No where in Kodiak references or literature does it speak of recommended or maximum brake line psi. Is 1600 psi appropriate for the Kodiak 10inch Dacromet Coated Kodiak Disc Brakes? Or should I get a 1,000 psi? Also, is it true that 18 feet of flexible brake line can grossly degrade my braking performance? Or is it best I attempt to contact Kodiak on this? Thank you for helping!

asked by: Braden G

Expert Reply:

Disc brakes require a higher psi than drum brakes. Usually you will see actuators rated for 1500 or 1600 psi with few exceptions. Going with an actuator rated for 1600 psi will work perfectly fine. A 1000 psi actuator would not be sufficient.

The issue with flexible cable is that it can move/change shape when the fluid inside is under pressure and that can have a negative effect on braking. However this is less likely to be an issue on a trailer than it is on a passenger vehicle. If the trailer was very long, more than 18 feet for sure, then I would recommend hard brake line to go from the actuator to the tee at the axle. But I do not think that 18 feet of flexible line will be an issue.

Personally, I would go ahead and have hard line back to the tee like I mentioned and flexible line from there to the brakes just to avoid any potential issue. Kit # T4829900 is a good option.

expert reply by: Michael H