Parts Needed to Convert a Triple Axle Trailer from Electric Drum to EOH Disc Brakes

Question:

Hi, How are you, guys? I hope you can help me. I have a 1989 Haulmark 40foot 3 axle Goosneck racetrailer. Axle specs: PHILIPS/DEXTER 5000 LBS C EXCL WHEELS RIMS AND TYRES It is equipped with electric drum brakes, but Im considering converting to hydraulic disc brakes. Do you recommend this change? What products will you then recommend? We do a lot of towing on icy roads and ABS brakes would be beneficial. I have red about Tuson RV brakes, DirecLink brake controller, ActuLink Electric Hydraulic Brake actuator and ActuLink ABS module. Do you have any comments/pros and cons about this system? Best regards

asked by: Arild S

Expert Reply:

The best braking system for towing a trailer that has brakes would be an Electric-Over-Hydraulic (EOH) system like what you are referencing. I do have a solution for you, but we do not have any of the products that you mentioned. Hydraulic disc brakes are superior to drum brakes and when you couple them with the accurate braking of a proportional brake controller like the Tekonsha P3 # 90195 it is hard to find a system that is more efficient.

What I recommend doing is using an EOH actuator like the HydraStar for Disc Brakes # HBA16 and then installing a brake line kit like the HydraStar Kit # HS496-253 for a triple axle trailer. This brake line kit utilizes hoses which are more flexible than standard brake line and can resist damage a little better.

You could then use a kit like the Kodiak Disc Brake Kit # K2HR526D for your 5,000 lb trailer axles (note you will want to purchase 3 sets). These have a 12" hub/rotor and have a 6 on 5-1/2" bolt pattern compatible with a 14-1/2", 15", or 16" wheel. The brake flange is a 5 bolt pattern as well. You can verify that your current brakes use a # 25580 inner bearing and a # 15123 outer bearing as well as a # RG06-070 (these are all sold separately) to ensure these are compatible with your spindle. As long as these specs are compatible with your axles these will work great for your application. The Dacromet finish helps to resist freshwater and saltwater applications so they will last longer if you are traveling on icy roads that have salt on them.

I have attached some review videos and a helpful article on adding EOH disc brakes to a trailer for you to check out.