Trailer Brakes: disk vs drum

[mfMcFroggierPod]

Has anyone upgraded/or have disk brakes on there trailer? Are they worth the $2500.00 conversion or perform better?


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[rockfordroo]

Suggest you do a forum search for disc brakes. A few people have replaced drums with discs. Vast improvement, fi they are to be believed. Worth $2500?? That's up to you.

[emm-dee]

Had the conversion done on our horse trailer (16k gooseneck) for around $1,700. Worth every penny.

[Skyliner]

I've never had a problem locking up my electric drum brakes on any of my campers. I say, if it isn't broke, don't fix it. $2,500 would get you a decent solar system (self-installed) which I rather have than disc brakes. But then again, I'm not towing horses.

[emm-dee]

Originally Posted by TonyD

I've never had a problem locking up my electric drum brakes on any of my campers. I say, if it isn't broke, don't fix it. $2,500 would get you a decent solar system (self-installed) which I rather have than disc brakes. But then again, I'm not towing horses.

I should have given more info. All four brakes needed complete replacement at a cost of almost $1,000 so the extra cost wasn't that bad. The biggest advantage of the disc system was how much smoother the it system was and never needing adjustments again.

[Skyliner]

I guess disc brakes are one of those things that you don't know you needed until you get them.

This link has good info on them. Since I do my own work, I'm thinking that cost would be lower than paying someone to do it. I'll have to put disc brakes on my dream list.

Trailer Disc Brake Conversion - Electric Over Hydraulic Disc Brakes

[bscottroberts]

I went to electric over hydraulic disc brakes. Did the work myself. Trailer weighs around 16K. I spent $1500 on all the parts. Definitely well worth it. I could never lock up my drums. With the disc brakes I had to turn down my brake controller to 60%. And it brakes harder than ever. Will never have a heavy trailer again without discs.

[Bob Vaughn]

Best 3000 dollars I ever spent. I would not buy an upgrade 5th wheel because it did not have disc brakes. Once you tow a rv with disc brakes and see how much better it stops as they say you will never go back.....

[Jakieboy]

Disc Brakes are clearly superior to Drum Brakes in almost all situations, especially when the vehicle is subject to frequent hard applications of braking force from high speed. However, this situation does not necessarily apply to the typical RV towing environment. Most trailers are not towed at high speed, or are subject to numerous, repeated high speed stopping situations, as are race cars and high performance sports cars.

If your trailer has come equipped with drum brakes, I would recommend that you simply keep the braking system in top condition with periodic inspections and maintenance. If you plan to keep the same trailer for more than 10 more years after your first purchase, then the switch to disc brakes might make sense.

Most important: Keep the tires and brakes of your tow vehicle in top shape, and make sure your trailer tires are properly inflated, lug nuts are tight, and all is well.

[Filterman]

Originally Posted by emm-dee

I should have given more info. All four brakes needed complete replacement at a cost of almost $1,000 so the extra cost wasn't that bad. The biggest advantage of the disc system was how much smoother the it system was and never needing adjustments again.

Just a note, you can replace all four wheel ends with fully loaded backing plates and self adjusting drum brakes for $57.95 an end from etrailer. Just take out the five bolts, cut and resplice the wires and your ready to go. Not discouraging the disc brake idea just putting the cost in perspective.
Good Luck

[emm-dee]

Originally Posted by Filterman

Just a note, you can replace all four wheel ends with fully loaded backing plates and self adjusting drum brakes for $57.95 an end from etrailer. Just take out the five bolts, cut and resplice the wires and your ready to go. Not discouraging the disc brake idea just putting the cost in perspective.
Good Luck

Triple that number for quality brakes and eight stud drums on 7,000+ pound axles.

[awellis3]

Originally Posted by mfMcFroggierPod

Has anyone upgraded/or have disk brakes on there trailer? Are they worth the $2500.00 conversion or perform better?

There's an article in this month's "Trailer Life" that covers this conversion. You'd have to be towing a heavy trailer to make it worthwhile, IMHO.

[SilhouettePenny]

Originally Posted by Filterman

Just a note, you can replace all four wheel ends with fully loaded backing plates and self adjusting drum brakes for $57.95 an end from etrailer. Just take out the five bolts, cut and resplice the wires and your ready to go. Not discouraging the disc brake idea just putting the cost in perspective.
Good Luck

I concur, eTrailer.com will ship in just 2 days. If you can remove, inspect and regrease your own bearings, the next logical step is to remove the brake backing plate (5 bolts on mine) and snip two wires. Adjusting them after installation seems to be the time consuming task. Shoot 'em with a thermal gun after exiting at the interstate rest area, brake spoon down to tighten & up to loosen.

[duradiesel]

I just replaced all 4 brake assemblies [ backing plates , shoes & magnets ] for $270 . drums were ok. I also replaced 4 bearings. Replaced all the spring hangers with the the greasable ones for $160 . I could not believe how bad the spring hangers were worn.

[doc73]

I would think you would need to tow a lot as well to keep them from rusting up. Used to fight that issue on my jeep when I let it sit for a while.

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