Trailer Brakes

[4x15mph]

I have an LS2000 with a single axle, load-rite trailer. The boat is light in comparison to some other boats but I tow this with a 5000 lb max tow vehicle and would like to have brakes added to the trailer.

Has anyone added aftermarket brakes to a trailer? If so, can the work be done with the boat on the trailer? Is this a large job or something that I may be able to do with a couple of jackstands and tools?

I think I have to check that I have the 4 bolt flange on the axle but I think I do since this was a higher end, replacement trailer.

 

[eekman56]

If you have a bunch of questions I would call the people at Trailer Parts Superstore which is Eastern Marine. I didn't add brakes to my LS trailer but found a replacement one that had brakes on it. Anyway, they were knowledgeable and easy to talk to.

 

[tdonoughue]

I have never done such a conversion, but I wouldn't think you would need to take the boat off as long as your jacks have sufficient capacity.

It would involve replacing the coupler, running hydraulic lines, then removing each wheel to install brakes there. That part would probably start to depend heavily on what trailer you have and what brakes you are putting on. Then the normal bleeding. ..

 

[-klb-]

Your axle must have the square flange with 4 holes for mounting the caliper bracket. If it does, you should be able to find and bolt on all the right axle parts. (Caliper, mounting hardware, rotor (replaces existing hub)). If no flange, you also need a new axle.

The surge actuator is possibly the more complicated end. Some units are bolt on, others have a sleeve that requires cutting down the existing tongue tube, and welding the sleeve on instead.

 

[latitudeadjuster]

If you have a bunch of questions I would call the people at Trailer Parts Superstore which is Eastern Marine. I didn't add brakes to my LS trailer but found a replacement one that had brakes on it. Anyway, they were knowledgeable and easy to talk to.

@eekman56 I see your in Fredericksburg. What boat do you have? Do you go on Potomac or Lake Anna?