|
|
Post by yessnoo on Nov 29, 2016 23:11:04 GMT -6
I have read tons of good information on this website in my searching. I saw a thread not devoted to this topic but with some insight on the topic. Just looking to get a few more opinions.
How many folks are running trailer brakes on trailers for sv1900, sv2100, or sv2300?
Texas only requires trailer brakes if the trailer gvw is greater than 4500 pounds I believe. The tandem axle trailer I looked at today on a 2000 sv2100 showed a gvw of 4250 or something to the effect (less than 4500 for sure) so they wouldn't be required I don't think.
Just curious on other people's thoughts.
|
|
|
|
Post by gnrphil on Nov 29, 2016 23:16:44 GMT -6
JMO but the more stopping power you have the better, I'd want trailer brakes required or not.
|
|
|
|
Post by Juan on Nov 30, 2016 6:09:12 GMT -6
JMO but the more stopping power you have the better, I'd want trailer brakes required or not. I'm just the opposite.. I DON'T want trailer brakes (required or not). Having said that, my tandem axle trailer for my SV2100 had surge breaks when I bought it but they've been removed from the wheels and the surge coupler has been bolted so that it no longer surges when the truck brakes are applied. I've been meaning to, but I've never had my boat & trailer weighed so I don't know if brakes are required by law or not but I've owned this trailer since 05 (it's an 04 model) and I drive it a minimum of 70 miles (one way) every time I use it and I've pulled it over 800 miles (one way) a few times. Other than the expected occasional flat tire, I've never had any problems. If you're planning to pull it with a truck or SUV and the brakes are good on the tow vehicle, you'll have plenty of stopping power without trailer brakes and if you plan to use the trailer in saltwater, the life expectancy of trailer brakes is very low and you can probably expect to either remove or repair them within a year. |
|
catchersrock
Ensign
Posts: 548 
Location: Maiden NC
Sea Pro model and year: 2020 Sea Pro 228
|
Post by catchersrock on Nov 30, 2016 11:13:20 GMT -6
I pull my 1900 with a 3/4 ton HD, so, I dont need trailer brakes. Just more to maintain if you dont need them. If i pulled with a smaller truck, I would want them though.
|
|
yolo
Ensign
Posts: 626
Location: Back to Manasquan Inlet, NJ
|
Post by yolo on Nov 30, 2016 11:37:15 GMT -6
Will save the brakes on your truck. Cost/benefit can be argued here.
Big thing is if you ever loose the trailer. Cost/benefit cant be argued here; I know from experience, read story at end. If you loose the trailer latch pulls and engages the brakes, it wont go into the back of your truck.
Helps on the ramp in the rare case your truck wants to go for a swim (witnessed that for the first time this summer).
TIP: I put the trailer in the water and pull the power which engages the solenoid and keeps the trailer from going backwards.
TIP: That's also how you can test if your brakes are good. Hook the boat up, don't plug it in, back up, if you back up a few feet and the trailer stops you then your brakes are good.
NJ requires them on any trailer GVW over 3k (thats trailer and load), If under GVW is under 3k then trailer GVW (again trailer weight and load) cant be more then 40% of the GVW of the vehicle towing. My Silverado weighs about 4,800 so if I didn't want brakes then my boat and trailer would have to be less than 1,900 lbs.
My experience is a little different with the salt water than Juan's. I replaced mine myself in my shop when I got the trailer because the master cylinder was empty and the lines rot when there is nothing in them. Rather than figure out where the seal broke or if the mechanic forgot his checklist I just replaced. Also because I like knowing exactly what I have. I've had it 6 seasons and the brakes are still good. As long as everything is filled with fluid, which means everything is sealed, then the salt water doesn't get to anything and the fluid itself is anti corrosive. Beauty of drum brakes.
STORY: Two years ago helped a buddy, assured me brakes were good just got them done. I didn't do my little test because boat was backed up to a fence and didn't stop to do it when I got boat on the road. Went against my rule of checking everything myself (first and last time)Four blocks from his house truck and trailer go over raised manhole, the pin that connected the coupler under the ball to the latch snapped from the momentum, trailer came off, receiver hit the ground, safety cables stretched, slowed the truck but not the trailer. Winch arm went into my tailgate and put a huge hole in it. I opened up the master cylinder, mechanic never filled it with fluid after he put the brakes on. Didn't cost me anything, cost my buddy a 1000 bill which he then got shop to pay for.
|
|
|
|
Post by Juan on Nov 30, 2016 15:34:52 GMT -6
Will save the brakes on your truck. Cost/benefit can be argued here. Big thing is if you ever loose the trailer. Cost/benefit cant be argued here; I know from experience, read story at end. If you loose the trailer latch pulls and engages the brakes, it wont go into the back of your truck. Helps on the ramp in the rare case your truck wants to go for a swim (witnessed that for the first time this summer). TIP: I put the trailer in the water and pull the power which engages the solenoid and keeps the trailer from going backwards. TIP: That's also how you can test if your brakes are good. Hook the boat up, don't plug it in, back up, if you back up a few feet and the trailer stops you then your brakes are good. NJ requires them on any trailer GVW over 3k (thats trailer and load), If under GVW is under 3k then trailer GVW (again trailer weight and load) cant be more then 40% of the GVW of the vehicle towing. My Silverado weighs about 4,800 so if I didn't want brakes then my boat and trailer would have to be less than 1,900 lbs. My experience is a little different with the salt water than Juan's. I replaced mine myself in my shop when I got the trailer because the master cylinder was empty and the lines rot when there is nothing in them. Rather than figure out where the seal broke or if the mechanic forgot his checklist I just replaced. Also because I like knowing exactly what I have. I've had it 6 seasons and the brakes are still good. As long as everything is filled with fluid, which means everything is sealed, then the salt water doesn't get to anything and the fluid itself is anti corrosive. Beauty of drum brakes. STORY: Two years ago helped a buddy, assured me brakes were good just got them done. I didn't do my little test because boat was backed up to a fence and didn't stop to do it when I got boat on the road. Went against my rule of checking everything myself (first and last time)Four blocks from his house truck and trailer go over raised manhole, the pin that connected the coupler under the ball to the latch snapped from the momentum, trailer came off, receiver hit the ground, safety cables stretched, slowed the truck but not the trailer. Winch arm went into my tailgate and put a huge hole in it. I opened up the master cylinder, mechanic never filled it with fluid after he put the brakes on. Didn't cost me anything, cost my buddy a 1000 bill which he then got shop to pay for. Great info and all good points... "almost" makes me consider reinstalling my brakes just for the safety factor. I wash down my trailer after every dunk in saltwater but it doesn't seem to help stop the corrosion. I guess it's a gamble pulling without the trailer brakes but the maintenance was a nightmare. |
|
|
|
Post by Simple Man on Dec 2, 2016 9:46:01 GMT -6
I took mine off too. They lasted about 5 years. I don't tow much anymore so not an issue for me.
|
|
|
|
Post by freezerfiller on Dec 4, 2016 10:24:02 GMT -6
Mine were removed when I bought my boat. I really need to install them. I bought some a few years ago, but upon arrival, they weren't stainless so I returned them. I've wished I could stop sooner and even had to hit the emergency lane once to keep from buying a kia minivan. I've also considered bringing a garden sprayer full of fresh water to spray them down after launching in the salty stuff.
|
|
|
|
Post by freezerfiller on Dec 4, 2016 10:28:26 GMT -6
|
|
|
|
Post by korrupt3dazn on Dec 6, 2016 11:54:11 GMT -6
I put trailer brakes on my trailer. Connect requires trailers over 3000 GVWR to have brakes.
I went to e-trailer and got entire kit for around 600 shipped.
|
|
|
|
Post by gtightline on Dec 8, 2016 21:59:41 GMT -6
Living in Florida on flat land I wouldn't even consider it....just saying.
|
|
|
|
Post by Flycableguy on Dec 12, 2016 8:15:20 GMT -6
|
|
|
|
Post by seagristle on Dec 12, 2016 15:25:32 GMT -6
Wish I didn't have them on my 2100 trailer, but my first tow vehicle was a Jeep Cherokee so I didn't feel it had enough stopping power. I did my brakes myself the first time and last time. Now I leave it to the professionals but it is $$$. Moved up to an F150 since then.
|
|
|
|
Post by CaptWoody on Dec 23, 2016 10:54:47 GMT -6
JMO but the more stopping power you have the better, I'd want trailer brakes required or not. I'm just the opposite.. I DON'T want trailer brakes (required or not). Having said that, my tandem axle trailer for my SV2100 had surge breaks when I bought it but they've been removed from the wheels and the surge coupler has been bolted so that it no longer surges when the truck brakes are applied. I've been meaning to, but I've never had my boat & trailer weighed so I don't know if brakes are required by law or not but I've owned this trailer since 05 (it's an 04 model) and I drive it a minimum of 70 miles (one way) every time I use it and I've pulled it over 800 miles (one way) a few times. Other than the expected occasional flat tire, I've never had any problems. If you're planning to pull it with a truck or SUV and the brakes are good on the tow vehicle, you'll have plenty of stopping power without trailer brakes and if you plan to use the trailer in saltwater, the life expectancy of trailer brakes is very low and you can probably expect to either remove or repair them within a year. Juan, I don't know what the Bama boys require but here in Texas it is based on the GVWR, not the actual weight of your rig. If your trailer title says GVWR of 4500 lbs or more trailer brakes are required. |
|
|
|
Post by Juan on Dec 23, 2016 18:21:59 GMT -6
I'm just the opposite.. I DON'T want trailer brakes (required or not). Having said that, my tandem axle trailer for my SV2100 had surge breaks when I bought it but they've been removed from the wheels and the surge coupler has been bolted so that it no longer surges when the truck brakes are applied. I've been meaning to, but I've never had my boat & trailer weighed so I don't know if brakes are required by law or not but I've owned this trailer since 05 (it's an 04 model) and I drive it a minimum of 70 miles (one way) every time I use it and I've pulled it over 800 miles (one way) a few times. Other than the expected occasional flat tire, I've never had any problems. If you're planning to pull it with a truck or SUV and the brakes are good on the tow vehicle, you'll have plenty of stopping power without trailer brakes and if you plan to use the trailer in saltwater, the life expectancy of trailer brakes is very low and you can probably expect to either remove or repair them within a year. Juan, I don't know what the Bama boys require but here in Texas it is based on the GVWR, not the actual weight of your rig. If your trailer title says GVWR of 4500 lbs or more trailer brakes are required. I think it's the same way here Woody. Isn't the GVWR the weight of the rig loaded and the trailer together? I think mine is 3000 and I'm pretty sure I'm under that so the original surge brakes were probably installed to meet requirements of another state or as a safety concern, either way, I'm glad they're gone. |
|
|
|
Post by CaptWoody on Dec 23, 2016 18:28:43 GMT -6
Yes, GVWR is the max allowed combined weight of the trailer and it's cargo.
|
|
yolo
Ensign
Posts: 626
Location: Back to Manasquan Inlet, NJ
|
Post by yolo on Dec 28, 2016 15:14:18 GMT -6
GVWR is if you put the boat on the trailer on a scale, what is it going to weigh.
Includes everything on the boat that day your towing it. Fuel, coolers, anything.
|
|
|
|
Post by jamesgarrett on Jan 7, 2017 9:09:51 GMT -6
I tow my 208 with a Nissan Frontier, so the trailer helping stop the rig is a really big help. Our 190DC weighed about the same I believe and didn't have trailer brakes and it's a HUGE difference, especially with the summer storms we get in FL.
|
|
