Replacement 10-Inch Galvanized Drum Brakes for Boat Trailer with 14-Inch Wheels

Updated 06/29/2017 | Published 06/28/2017

Question:

I am looking into buying the braking components for my boat trailer. I cant find the axle ratings. It has 14inch wheels and 10inch brake drums If I buy the galvanized 10inch backing plates with 10inch galvanized drums 3.5 ton rating. Should these fit?

asked by: John S

Expert Reply:

If you cannot find a sticker or plate on your boat trailer axle you can still get in the ballpark on its weight rating based on the brake dimensions. All of our 10 x 2-1/4-inch drum brakes, both electric and hydraulic, that work with 14-inch trailer wheels will be rated for axle capacities from 3500-lbs on the low side up to 4400-lbs on the high side. The vast majority of these brakes are for 3500-lb axles so odds are good that is your rating. All brakes are shown on the linked page. Do please note that the trailer's main information/VIN plate often will indicate the axle rating.

If the axle diameter is 2-3/8-inches then you have a 3500-lbs axle. For an axle to be rated for 3.5 tons (7000-lbs) it will be at least 3-inches in diameter.

Make sure you select both left- and right-hand brakes and also check that the new brakes use the same brake flange mounting bolt pattern.

expert reply by: Adam R