TOPIC: Need help with brake terminology

Does #3 mean "Free backing"?

The trailer brakes will not work in reverse as long as you are on level ground and going slow. If you try to back uphill the brakes will come on and then you will be going nowhere. It is best to disingage the lever if you are going to back up as this will save alot of wear and tear on both trailer and tow vehicle. The instuctions will explain all about the best way to set them up. Good luck Skip.

That makes sense Skip, thanks. My problem is which brake assembly to buy. Can I buy ones that say "Free backing"? Or do I get "Single servo" ones?

Frank

Let me check that out for you Frank. I do believe you can use either one,I will check mine out.

Frank, I check the brakes out and you can use either system. The free backing ones are better for boat trailers. They cost abit more. They will not lock up on you when you back up as long as you service them properly and regularly.Both systems are fine, justmake sure you get the ones that match your axile. Do not get heavy duty one for a larger trailer. You will have a boat coming through your rear window the first time you hit the brakes hard.If your axile is around 3500 or 3600 use that size brakes. They must be matched to your axile wieght. I get my parts from Beccacecis Marine and trailer parts. They have always been able to help me out ok. There prices are really good also. good luck, Skip.

That's exactly what I needed to know, thanks Skip. I have a 3500# axle and that is what I'm getting the brake assemblies for (and a line kit), just need to get past Christmas!

Frank

That is great info. I was waiting to see what this post brought. I don't need brakes on any of mine but it is good thing to know.

Well, I finally have enough $ to get my brake assemblies, a brake line kit, and the 1st of 3 aluminum wheels with 15" radial tires. Can't wait! Will keep y'all posted as I get this stuff done.

Frank

Got the coupler mounted this a.m., and it was not just a quick bolt-on. It looked like the old trailer tongue (which from the factory had a hydraulic coupler mounted) and new coupler holes matched up, but they were off an 1/8" top-to-bottom. I started by drilling out the first of the four holes, but it made me nervous making holes big enough to pass bolts through, so I did the others with a carbide tip grinder just at the top of the holes, and just enough to get bolts through. Mama went out shopping, and has instructions to get me some grade 5 1/2 X 4" bolts, nuts and lock washers.



Then I was looking at the best way to run new wire. The old tongue was 8' and this original one is 11', so I had to run new wire. I left plenty up front to make it so it reaches the truck plug with no problem. I was thinking of running it through the bottom of the coupler, but then figured I didn't want wires messing up anything with the braking components. I'll just run it from the end of the tongue I guess.

Next I'm going to pull a wheel and make darn sure it's a 4.5" bolt pattern before I go ordering new aluminum wheels. I also need to do some body work on one fender and do some re-wiring on that same fender from when my tire blew out and took out lights on that side.

Happy New Year all. I sure hope 2012 is a better year for boating!

Frank

Lookin' pretty darn good there Frank, nice work. Happy New Year to you, and all our FG friends!

Looks great. I don't know what is going on inside there myself so your running wires the safe way. I'd enclose them with flexible wire conduit. Here is how I did mine but I have no brakes to worry about.