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

Updated 05/27/2025 | Published 09/06/2016

Products Featured in This Question

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

(32)

$421.05

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

(50)

$686.35

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

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

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?

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.