How to Find Disc Brakes Converting From Drum Brakes on Boat Trailer With 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern

Updated 06/28/2023 | Published 06/27/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter DX7.5 Drop-N-Go Brake Actuator - Disc Brakes - 2" Ball - Zinc Plated - 7,500 lbs

(90)

$382.54

Kodiak Disc Brakes - 10" Hub/Rotor - 5 on 4-1/2 - Dacromet - 3,500 lbs - E-Z Lube

(68)

$671.77

Question:

Good morning I have a 2006 EZ Loader tandem axle boat trailer for 21 aluminum boat. 5 on 4-1/2 B.P. Flooded hubs, surge hydraulic drum brakes 1 axle. in/out of salt and fresh water, constant problems with drums locking up. Would like to convert to disc but not sure whether to stay with surge or go electric to hydraulic conversion? Suggestion?

asked by: Tom H

Expert Reply:

Going to electric over hydraulic is probably a bit of overkill, and disc brakes will serve you very well, but without the locking up. So that's the route I recommend, and since you have a 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern it is likely you have a 3,500 lb axle, but you need to verify. To switch from drum brakes to disc, because you have to replace your hub you will also need to know the bearing numbers you have, which you can find by either measuring your spindle or removing your current hub and finding the numbers on the bearings themselves.

For example, if you have a 3,500 lb axle with inner bearing L68149 (1.378" inner diameter) and outer bearing L44649 (1.063" inner diameter) then use the Kodiak Disc Brakes - 10" Hub/Rotor - 5 on 4-1/2 - 3,500 lbs # KOD67FR.

I have added a link below to our selection of disc brake hub and rotor options with a 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern for you once you find out exactly what you have. The other thing you will need to do is replace your actuator with a disc brake actuator. This will depend on the hitch ball size and weight rating you need; for example if you couple to a 2" hitch ball and need something with at least 7,500 lb capacity go with the Dexter DX7.5 Drop-N-Go Brake Actuator # 099-175-20.

I have added a link below to our entire selection of disc brake actuators for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Kyle S