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Post by footy3 on Oct 27, 2022 13:21:36 GMT -5
First off, not sure if this is the right forum, if not Mods please feel free to place it elsewhere.
I have a 4 year old trailer, 5 Starr. I use it to trailer my 245 DC 2 blocks back and forth to the ramp, probably 25-30 times a year. The trailer has surge brakes, which I normally "lock out" with a pin so I don't have problems reversing. I am planning on taking the boat from NJ to Key Largo, and found all brakes inoperable.
Took it to a trailer shop, they're trying to locate parts, say I need a new actuator, lines, rotors, pads, calipers, looking at $4500 for repairs. I'm not even sure I paid that much new in 2018.
I'm considering looking for a new trailer and selling this one as is, but trailers are apparently more expensive and hard to find right now.
If I do the brakes, I have heard of people switching from surge to electric over hydraulic, wondering if anyone has done this and has any feedback. Also, any feedback on aftermarket brake parts would be appreciated, I have just begun to scratch the surface here, but someone told me Kodiak parts are warranted for life. Since the OEM parts crapped out after 4 years, I'm not inclined to go with them.
Thanks in advance.
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Post by finatic on Oct 27, 2022 14:40:08 GMT -5
I had my whole trailer reworked wiring for lights complete brakes all stainless steel with rotors calipers fast forward 5 years I don't think they work anymore. I trailer 30 to 35 miles often for my offshore runs. I don't plan on fixing them I never tail gate and leave extra stopping distance. Roads are flat going to Florida I'd just go. I'd be more worried about the wheel bearings I would remove each wheel repack each set of bearings because the grease fitting doesn't allow Grease into that entire bearing housing.
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Post by fishnfool on Oct 27, 2022 15:14:50 GMT -5
$4500 for a brake job???!!! Find a new shop!
My trailer is older than yours and I've replaced the pads twice and still on the original rotors. I did have to replace calipers this summer but that's it.
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Post by jski59 on Oct 27, 2022 15:39:19 GMT -5
That's ridiculous...does that $4500 includes an EOH system? I have Kodiak stuff on my trailer and they still work after 4 years (except for the pads).
But unless you have a monster tow vehicle, no way would I tow that far without brakes; Florida is flat but plenty of idiots that will cut you off at the worst moment..not to mention liability issues if something does happen.
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Post by footy3 on Oct 27, 2022 15:57:36 GMT -5
$4500 is for 4 new rotor/hub/caliper kits, new actuator and new lines. It does not include EOH, which I would consider doing.
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Post by fishnfool on Oct 27, 2022 17:58:30 GMT -5
I've heard nothing but good things about EOH. I'd still go to another shop.
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Post by finatic on Oct 27, 2022 19:19:22 GMT -5
Agree on another shop. FYI I paid $2600 new wiring LED lights stainless steel brakes calipers rotors new actuator and bearings two axles.
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jerryk
Captain
When not online I'm likely on Knot Online
Posts: 599
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Post by jerryk on Oct 27, 2022 19:41:02 GMT -5
For a boat trailer I've only used surge brakes...kind of afraid of electric in something that gets regularly submerged. That's just me, but I also have never heard of anything but surge on a boat trailer.
You do want brakes working before you go anywhere but the parking lot of the marina next to the launch ramp if you ask me. Too many idiots on the road who have no idea or respect for your stopping distance even with working brakes!
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Post by footy3 on Oct 28, 2022 6:00:08 GMT -5
Find another shop is a huge problem, there simply aren't too many places I can find. First place i took it charged $195 for a "trailer checkup", told me they could do it in a day. My boat is not bottom painted, lives on the trailer. Put it in the water, left it at a buddies house, 4 days later they tell me they're all done, everything is perfect working, take it and jack it up to find not one single brake works. Waited 2 months for an appointment at the second place that tells me every single component in the system is bad and needs replacing. Not too many other options here, so contemplating doing it myself. Problem is, I need a place to put the boat out of the water, and don't have one. That said, if anyone knows a good place to take it in Ocean County NJ, I'm open to suggestion.
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Post by footy3 on Oct 28, 2022 6:06:24 GMT -5
Find another shop is a huge problem, there simply aren't too many places I can find. First place i took it charged $195 for a "trailer checkup", told me they could do it in a day. My boat is not bottom painted, lives on the trailer. Put it in the water, left it at a buddies house, 4 days later they tell me they're all done, everything is perfect working, take it and jack it up to find not one single brake works. Waited 2 months for an appointment at the second place that tells me every single component in the system is bad and needs replacing. Not too many other options here, so contemplating doing it myself. Problem is, I need a place to put the boat out of the water, and don't have one. That said, if anyone knows a good place to take it in Ocean County NJ, I'm open to suggestion.
Jerry K - the electric over hydraulic replaces the surge actuator with a electric powered actuator that pumps the hydraulic fluid into the calipers, it is mounted to the tongue right near the coupler, none of the electric components get anywhere near the water, unless you're doing it wrong.....
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jerryk
Captain
When not online I'm likely on Knot Online
Posts: 599
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Post by jerryk on Oct 28, 2022 7:11:08 GMT -5
Footy3 thanks for the clarification...you are referring to electric over hydraulic (EOH) brakes which are newer in the market. Those are pricier but good, the downside is that they require an in-cab controller. I'm old I guess, so when I think electric brakes I think of the original version which had a magnetic solenoid style actuator that you wouldn't want to dunk regularly, which is why many boat trailers to this day still use surge brakes.
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Post by finatic on Oct 28, 2022 7:58:52 GMT -5
You could always install everything your self. You can purchase a complete brake kit have the boat on the trailer not loaded with fuel and do one side at a time.
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Post by schlnrnd on Oct 28, 2022 17:40:10 GMT -5
You could always install everything your self. You can purchase a complete brake kit have the boat on the trailer not loaded with fuel and do one side at a time. I ageee. I did this and have the pictures to prove. Found a complete brake set for around $500 shipped to my house.
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Post by finatic on Oct 28, 2022 18:08:58 GMT -5
You could always install everything your self. You can purchase a complete brake kit have the boat on the trailer not loaded with fuel and do one side at a time. I ageee. I did this and have the pictures to prove. Found a complete brake set for around $500 shipped to my house. Absolutelyđź‘Ť
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Post by footy3 on Oct 28, 2022 20:57:03 GMT -5
I ageee. I did this and have the pictures to prove. Found a complete brake set for around $500 shipped to my house. Absolutelyđź‘Ť can you tell me where you ordered from? Best I've been able to find is close to $2k for an actuator, 4 rotor/hub/caliper pad combos and lines.
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