Should You Upgrade to Disc Brakes on Boat Trailer & How to Find Right Ones

Updated 07/12/2023 | Published 07/11/2023

Question:

1998 Zieman boat trailer, should I upgrade to disk brakes? I can send photos

asked by: Ron M

Expert Reply:

Yes, you should 100 percent upgrade to disc brakes on your boat trailer; disc brakes give you better stopping power than drum brakes, require less maintenance due to having fewer moving parts, and will last longer for boat trailers as they are coated for use in water. Since you are replacing drum brakes you'll need a hub and rotor brake kit, and there are a number of things you'll have to know to get the right one.

First, you will need to take apart your current hub assembly and look at the bearings themselves; wipe away the grease and you should be able to see the part number stamped directly on them. If you are unable to find them, you need to use a digital caliper and measure your spindle where the bearings ride, like in the photo I added below.

For example, if you have a 3,500 lb axle and your inner bearing is L68149 (1.378" inner diameter) and outer bearing is L44649 (1.063" inner diameter) you would use the DeeMaxx Disc Brake Kit # DE46YR.

I have added a link below to our entire selection of disc brake hub and rotor kits for you to check out once you find your bearing info.

expert reply by: Kyle S