Recommended Replacement Drum Brakes for Boat Trailer with 3500-lbs Axles

Updated 01/05/2021 | Published 12/31/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Hydraulic Brake Kit - Uni-Servo - Free Backing - Dacromet - 10" - Left/Right Hand - 3,500 lbs

(365)

$188.56

Mounting Bolts and Hardware for 10" Brake Assemblies

(96)

$28.12

Demco Hydraulic Trailer Brakes - Duo Servo - Galvanized - Left/Right - 10" - 3.5K

(20)

$163.86

Brake Adjustment Spoon for Drum Brakes

(218)

$8.08

Question:

I own a boat trailer and thinking about replacing the brakes/backing plates. Its a tandem axle trailer with 3500 lb axles....10inch by 2 1/4inch hydraulic brakes. I see there are several choices on your website. Some are free backing. My trailer has surge brakes with a breakaway feature to apply brakes if it were to come off the hitch. Which one would you recommend? Thanks !

asked by: Dean C

Helpful Expert Reply:

I recommend using the Hydraulic Brake Kit - Uni-Servo - Free Backing - Dacromet - 10" - Left/Right Hand - 3,500 lbs # AKFBBRK-35-D, which will work with your current setup and are perfect because the Dacromet plating is designed to withstand exposure to water; so they're ideal for boat trailers. These brakes are free backing, so they'll allow your trailer to backup regardless of whether or not you've got a lockout feature on your actuator, and they'll work with a breakaway kit.

If you've got an actuator with a reverse lockout, you can use a duo-servo set like the Demco Hydraulic Brake Kit - Duo-Servo - Galvanized - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K # DMSB18794M-93M, which are also designed for boat trailers.

Both of these brake kits will require mounting hardware, which is available with part # BRKH10A. You may also need a brake adjustment spoon like the # W80630 to adjust them after installation and perform adjustment periodically. The brakes do come with backing plates included.

I've linked some review videos of these brakes for you to have a look at.