How to Determine Which Hydraulic Brakes to Use on a Trailer

Updated 04/18/2018 | Published 04/16/2018

Question:

I have a 1971 Rolite pop up camper with hydraulic brakes. I am looking for the replacement equipment for the KH 84444 drum and rotors that are currently on my trailer?

asked by: Brad

Expert Reply:

There are two different types of hydraulic brakes used on a trailer which are disc brakes and drum brakes. A drum brake has a small round drum in which the shoes inside the backing plate push up and out to slow the trailer whereas a disc brake assembly is composed of a circular round rotor and half moon shaped caliper which clamps down on the rotor to slow the trailer. I have attached a photo of both to give you a better understanding. The part number you provided "KH8444" was manufactured by a company called Kelsey-Hayes. They are no longer in business therefore information about the brakes is difficult to find.

In order to recommend the correct hydraulic drum brakes I would need to know the following:

1) What is your axle capacity? (2,000 lbs/3,500 lbs/5,200 lbs/etc.)
2) What size brakes do you have? (10x2-1/4"/12x2"/etc.)
3) What brake mounting flange do you have? (4 bolt/5 bolt)
4) What type of brakes do you currently have? (Dual Servo/Single Servo/Free Backing)
5) What bolt pattern do your wheels use? (5 on 4-1/2"/6 on 5-1/2"/etc.)

In order to recommend the correct hydraulic disc brakes I would need to know the following:

1) What is your axle capacity? (2,000 lbs/3,500 lbs/5,200 lbs/etc.)
2) Do you have a hub with integrated rotor or hub with separate rotor?
3) What bolt pattern do your wheels use? (5 on 4-1/2"/6 on 5-1/2"/etc.)
4) What are the inner and outer bearing numbers on your hubs? (25580/15123/etc.)

Once you can provide me with this information I would be happy to recommend the correct braking assemblies for your trailer.