Pros and Cons of Adding Cast or Aluminum Disc Brake Calipers to a Boat Trailer

Updated 03/13/2012 | Published 03/12/2012

Products Featured in This Question

Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - L44649

(2190)

$23.99

Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - L68149

(2190)

$19.71

Grease Seal - Double Lip - ID 1.719" / OD 2.565" - for 3,500-lb Axles - Qty 2

(2873)

$8.80

Dexter Hydraulic Brake Line with Fittings - 13" Long

(42)

$45.70

Question:

Im interested in switching my tandem axle boat trailer brakes from drum to disc. Brakes are 10 drum on the front axle only and each axle is 3500 lb rating. And I want to take advantage of the swing-away brake actuator. I like your kit: Titan Trailer Brakes - T4843300. I dont think your calipers are aluminum. But I think I want aluminum calipers instead of cast iron because they cool down faster. Please give me the pros and cons of your calipers versus aluminum with corrosion resistant pistons. Thx!

asked by: Richard

Expert Reply:

The first thing to do is verify that the the disc brake calipers and wheel bearings will fit your trailer. The majority of 3,500 lb axles use # L68149 inner, # L44649 outer bearings and the # RG06-050 grease seals, but you should check to be sure.

Next, make sure the wheels on your trailer are 14 inch diameter or larger, and that the spring on your trailer is at least 3 inches from the outer face of the brake mounting flange so that the caliper can be installed without contacting the inside of the wheel or the trailer spring.

You are correct that aluminum brake calipers would cool faster than the cast calipers in the Titan Disc Brake Kit , T4843300, but typically disc trailer brakes do not run that hot and the cost keeps people from adding aluminum calipers. If you are towing in the mountains where descending the mountain requires a lot of braking then the addition of aluminum calipers might be a good choice.

If you go with the Titan disc brake kit, # T4843300, I recommend that you add a flexible brake line, # T0777300, from the steel line to each caliper because caliper will move when the brakes are applied. This movement will cause the steel line to fail over time and the flexible line will eliminate that possibility.