Trailer Brakes (FL)

[FLJetBoater]

I found out the trailer that's coming with the boat I bought doesn't have brakes on it. It's a Continental A2450 which has a 5000lb capacity so no issues there - however because they opted for no brakes they reduce the GVWR to 2999 to comply with Florida law as anything over 3000 requires brakes on all axles and breakaway control.

I'm going to install brakes on it as soon as it's delivered (and I get the boat off it) but curious what type others have. I'm thinking of just going hydraulic disc with a surge actuator (which includes breakaway). My truck has a brake controller so I could go electric over hydraulic but those actuators seem much more expensive and require a separate breakaway module. Is it worth the cost?

 

[BlkGS]

Interested in this. My Sx230 trailer was... Let's say modified with a brake delete. Good to know about the FL regs.

Thinking through it, it's kinda a damned either way with the salt water. You can either rust brake lines, or rust electrical components. I would think setting up dual axle surge brakes would be a bit more involved than electric, pressure differentials and all that.

Interested in the expert opinions.

 

[FLJetBoater]

Interested in this. My Sx230 trailer was... Let's say modified with a brake delete. Good to know about the FL regs.

Thinking through it, it's kinda a damned either way with the salt water. You can either rust brake lines, or rust electrical components. I would think setting up dual axle surge brakes would be a bit more involved than electric, pressure differentials and all that.

Interested in the expert opinions.

This is what I'm considering...

Tie Down Engineering 9.6" Eliminator Tandem Axle Disc Brake Kit - 5 on 4 1/2" - Galv-X Coated Rotors - Hydraulic Disc Brakes - Brakes - Products

The Tandem Axle 5-Bolt kit comes with everything you need to replace or upgrade from drum brakes to trailer disc brakes. Fits 13", 14", and 15" wheels.

trailerparts.com

Doesn't seem like there's really much to it aside from normal brake installation and bleeding the line.

 

[Looper7]

Looks like a good kit

 

[FX195]

My trailer brakes lasted 2 years of saltwater use, calipers are seized. I am not interested in doing this repair every 2 years. At the time, I upgraded front brake pads to EBC Yellows on tow vehicle, my remedy.