What Disc or Drum Brakes Should I Use for a 14' Utility Trailer?

Updated 09/09/2026 | Published 09/03/2026

Products Featured in This Question

DeeMaxx Disc Brake Kit - 10" Rotor - 5 on 4-1/2 - Maxx Coating - 3,500 lbs

(78)

$411.73

Titan Zinc-Plated Brake Actuator w/ Electric Lockout - Disc - Multi-Fit Ball - Bolt On - 6,000 lbs

(25)

$340.29

Question:

Looking to put surge brakes on my utility trailer. I have a 3,500 lb axle, its a 14 foot flat bed trailer I pull my side by side on. Big Tex. Disk? Drum? complete kit. What is your recommendation?

asked by: Jeff C

Expert Reply:

Hi Jeff,

Disc brakes brake better than hydraulic drum brakes and perform better in wet conditions and with heavy trailers. They are a pricier option, but the performance is worth it. If you already have a surge brake actuator or are wanting to use one with your disc brakes, you'll need to make sure it's rated for a disc brake set up. Disc brakes require a higher pressure, 1.600 psi, versus drum brakes which only require 1,000 psi. If you don't have a surge brake actuator, the Titan Zinc Plated Multi-Ball Surge Brake Actuator part # T4745720 would be a great choice. It's rated for 6,000lbs axle capacity, so it can easily handle your 3.5K axle and has a built-in electric lockout so you can back up without needing to get in and out of your vehicle. It fits 3" channel tongues and the bolt holes are spaced 3" apart, so hopefully you can bolt it on without needing to drill any holes.

The DeeMaxx Disc Brake Kit with 10" Rotors part # DE42FR you were looking at are a great option as well! DeeMaxx is my preferred brand of disc brakes, and they will completely replace your hub/drum and includes the bearings and seals you'll need. We'll need to match your current bearings in your hubs now, so if you know what spindle you have or what the bearing/seal numbers are we can confirm that these DeeMaxx brakes fit. The # DE42FR kit has a 5 on 4 1/2 bolt pattern with 1/2" studs, so if you want to use your current wheels, we'll need to make sure the stud size and bolt pattern are the same as well.

Do you prefer to use a surge brake actuator or an electric-over-hydraulic set up?

expert reply by: Claire H