Recommended Disc Brake Kit For 20 Foot Boat Trailer

Published 09/20/2017

Products Featured in This Question

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

(160)

$487.94

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

(79)

$410.65

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

(53)

$608.14

Question:

Have you ever seen rubber brake line clogged blocked? I am trying to revive a 20 boat that has been sitting for 10 yrs. It has surge brake and when I tried to bleed by vacuum, vacuum held. Then I opened up the brake and I see the wheel cylinder is all corroded. Then I replaced it with a new one. Still I could not bleed. I disconnected the actuator, the vacuum still held. There should not be any one-way valve in the brake line, right? Only thing I could think of is the rubber brake line joining the T-connector to the metal line going up to the tongue is clogged? I goggled around and saw these rubber brake line can be getting rusty and swollen inside. There is a coupler connection at the actuator end. See attached. Does it look like some quick stop coupler? Even with that little pin pulled in, I can squeeze any brake fluid out when I pump the coupler. So, I need to unclog the line by replacing the rubber ones if they are the problem, to rebuild or replace the hydraulic surge brake actuator, and I should, mind as well, convert to disc brake. Which disc brake kits are for marine? K2R35E, K2R35, or K2R35D?

asked by: Derek C

Expert Reply:

Brake lines can get clogged, and most of the time it has to do with someone not being careful when adding fluid and getting small particles inside instead of having disintegrated parts due to corrosion.

To upgrade to disc brakes, you will basically need to replace everything except the brake lines which can be blown out with compressed air. The coupler will require a stronger master cylinder for disc brakes vs. drum brakes because disc brakes require 1600 psi where drums require 1000-1200 psi.

For your boat trailer, I recommend the Titan Disc Brake Kit and Leverlock Actuator w/ Electric Lockout - Single, 3,500-lb Axle # T4843300. These brake caliper have the dacromet finish and the actuator has a zinc plating...both prevent corrosion and work well on boats. This will come with all the brake lines, the bearings, and Bearing Buddy covers.

If you prefer, you can use the Kodiak # K2R35D, # K2R35DKG, or # K2R35DS. Each of which will work well for marine use.

expert reply by: Jason S