Is Swapping to Disc Brakes Beneficial For a 2010 Keystone Laredo 5TH Wheel?

Updated 06/02/2021 | Published 05/28/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Kodiak Disc Brake Kit - 13" Hub/Rotor - 8 on 6-1/2 - Dacromet and Stainless - 7,000 lbs

(4)

$1063.64

Dexter Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 5,200-lb Axles - 6 on 5-1/2

(873)

$107.96

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(6643)

$169.94

Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors - Model 2441SS - Stainless Steel (Pair)

(1547)

$66.19

Hydrastar Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes - 1,600 psi

(55)

$805.90

Hydrastar Hydraulic Brake Line Kit - Tandem Axle - 15' Long, 3/16" Main Line

(8)

$214.23

Kodiak Disc Brake Kit - 12" Rotor - 6 on 5-1/2 - Dacromet and KodaGuard - 5,200 to 6,000 lbs

(78)

$512.76

Kodiak Disc Brake Kit - 12" Rotor - 6 on 5-1/2 - Stainless Steel - 5,200 lbs to 6,000 lbs

(88)

$1479.28

Question:

We have 6 lug wheels and we may need a new brake controller. I have attached a picture of the axle tag.

asked by: Reid

Helpful Expert Reply:

For your 2010 Keystone Laredo 266RL a Disc Brake trailer brake upgrade would provide you will a lot better stopping power. You would need to remove your current brake assemblies and hubs. The disc brakes will also require some modification to your trailers braking system. You will have to use an electric over hydraulic brake actuator which may require a different brake controller and run brake lines that will need to be filled with brake fluid and properly bleed.

The benefits are that disc brakes are far less likely to overheat like drum brakes. Disc brakes will not need adjusted like drum brakes, and the components are far easier to replace when they are worn.

If you are able to get me the axle serial numbers off your current axles I can recommend you all the parts that will need to make this conversion.

expert reply by: Bud M

HydraStar Wiring
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Reid W.

1/1/0001

We have 6 lug wheels and we may need a new brake controller. I have attached a picture of the axle tag.

Gregory M.

6/2/2021

I recommend replacing your current braking hubs with the Dexter Trailer Idler Hub Assembly # 8-213-5UC1. This will allow you to easily replace the new brake rotors is they become damaged without having to replace the hub. The Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors # BB2441SS will allow you to grease the hubs similar to an EZ Lube axle spindle. The Kodiak Disc Brake Kit - 12" Rotor - 6 on 5-1/2 - Stainless Steel # K2R526S are the best choice for longevity as the stainless steel will not rust. The rotors are easily replaceable also if they become damaged. They are also available in the Kodiak Disc Brake Kit - 12" Rotor - 6 on 5-1/2 - Dacromet and KodaGuard # K2R526DKG finish. This finish is not as durable as the stainless steel but will work well in areas where you will not deal with road salt and salt water. The HydraStar Vented Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes # HS381-8067 will need to be mounted in your storage compartment on the front of the Laredo. This will wire into your emergency brake away cable, the brake controller output wire and the battery on the Laredo. The HydraStar Hydraulic Brake Line Kit # HS496-152 has all the lines and blocks necessary to connect all 4 brake calipers to the Actuator as long as the distance from where you mount the actuator to the front axle is 15' or less. You can use either DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. I recommend DOT 4 as it is not as harmful when it gets on painted surfaces. The Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller # 90195 is my personal choice for a brake controller. It will work with electric or electric over hydraulic brakes. It is easily moved to other vehicles with its quick release mount and will store 5 different truck/trailer profiles to make switching trailers easier. It also has a diagnostic feature so if there is a problem it will tell you on the LCD screen and let you know where to look to fix the issues.