Two wheel brakes on trailer
Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2009 12:22 pm
Gary -
It's a shame this happened. Tony tried to spec out the best trailer he could for the price. He went with galvanized construction, leaf springs, a well known manufacturer in Baltimore, etc. He even had them extend the main beams to better support the boat in back and to equip it with a spare tire. But he probably relied on them to recommend things that he wasn't sure about - like the number of brakes it should have to safely stop it. Venture told me that the dealers are the ones who specify the number of brakes and some of them try to low-ball the price by skimping here. According to their web site, disc brakes are now standard on most of their trailers. The site also advises customers to equip tandem axle trailers with brakes on all axles. I copied the following from their web site -
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BRAKES
Do I need brakes on my trailer?
Brakes are advised on all axles. But remember that laws are different with each state. Talk to your local DMV for further information.
Can I get brakes on any trailer?
Venture Trailers have brakes available for all of the models that surpass 3,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. Brakes are also available for lighter models if requested.
What are surge brakes?
The majority of hydraulic trailer brakes operate on the surge principle. The coupler assembly is known as an actuator and it includes a master brake cylinder comparable to that in an automobile. When the brakes are utilized in the tow vehicle, the trailer "surges" against the tow ball, this forces fluid through the trailer hydraulic system.
Will my trailer be equipped with drum or disc brakes?
Venture Trailer models commonly come standard with disc brakes, excluding utility trailers, water vehicle models, and pontoon trailers, which are all supplied with drum brakes where they are suitable.
How do I bleed my brakes?
Bleeding trailer brakes is the same fundamental as bleeding brakes on a tow vehicle. You must first detach the trailer from the tow vehicle and block the trailer, making sure the master cylinder is full of fluid at all times. Open the bleeder screw that is furthest away from the actuator. Apply force to the actuator slide, hold it, and then tighten the bleeder screw. After this, release the actuator slide. You should repeat as necessary until all air is cleared. Continue to the next furthest bleeder screw and repeat until the entire trailer has been bled. Be sure to check the master cylinder fluid level frequently during the operation. Also, if a new actuator is installed, it should be bench bled, or pre-bled, before it is attached to the hydraulic line at the rear.
How do I adjust my drum brakes?
Since the brakes do not self adjust, there is a certain method to be used regularly. First, you must elevate the subject wheel and access the adjuster by removing the rubber plug at the 6 o'clock position on the rear of the backing plate. Next, with the wheel rotating in the forward direction of trailer travel, you must tighten the adjuster until the wheel stops and cannot be rotated by hand. Then release the adjuster tension until wheel spins one full revolution after a rotational spin force is applied by hand. Repeat the procedure for each wheel on the trailer equipped with brakes. It is critical to adjust the brakes on a regular basis.
How do I adjust my disc brakes?
Disc brakes adjust themselves and do not require manual adjustment.
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Why didn't Venture do what THEY themselves recommend? I don't think Tony told them to put ONLY 2 brakes on it, and make sure that they are only drum brakes. Tony will be out of the office for a few weeks. I spoke to Will this morning and they will do something when Tony gets back. Will now understands that we are very concerned about this.
Anyone buying a Telstar in the next few weeks should specify disc brakes on BOTH axles before the sale. It will probably raise the price of the trailer by around $250, but it will be worth it.
It's a shame this happened. Tony tried to spec out the best trailer he could for the price. He went with galvanized construction, leaf springs, a well known manufacturer in Baltimore, etc. He even had them extend the main beams to better support the boat in back and to equip it with a spare tire. But he probably relied on them to recommend things that he wasn't sure about - like the number of brakes it should have to safely stop it. Venture told me that the dealers are the ones who specify the number of brakes and some of them try to low-ball the price by skimping here. According to their web site, disc brakes are now standard on most of their trailers. The site also advises customers to equip tandem axle trailers with brakes on all axles. I copied the following from their web site -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRAKES
Do I need brakes on my trailer?
Brakes are advised on all axles. But remember that laws are different with each state. Talk to your local DMV for further information.
Can I get brakes on any trailer?
Venture Trailers have brakes available for all of the models that surpass 3,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. Brakes are also available for lighter models if requested.
What are surge brakes?
The majority of hydraulic trailer brakes operate on the surge principle. The coupler assembly is known as an actuator and it includes a master brake cylinder comparable to that in an automobile. When the brakes are utilized in the tow vehicle, the trailer "surges" against the tow ball, this forces fluid through the trailer hydraulic system.
Will my trailer be equipped with drum or disc brakes?
Venture Trailer models commonly come standard with disc brakes, excluding utility trailers, water vehicle models, and pontoon trailers, which are all supplied with drum brakes where they are suitable.
How do I bleed my brakes?
Bleeding trailer brakes is the same fundamental as bleeding brakes on a tow vehicle. You must first detach the trailer from the tow vehicle and block the trailer, making sure the master cylinder is full of fluid at all times. Open the bleeder screw that is furthest away from the actuator. Apply force to the actuator slide, hold it, and then tighten the bleeder screw. After this, release the actuator slide. You should repeat as necessary until all air is cleared. Continue to the next furthest bleeder screw and repeat until the entire trailer has been bled. Be sure to check the master cylinder fluid level frequently during the operation. Also, if a new actuator is installed, it should be bench bled, or pre-bled, before it is attached to the hydraulic line at the rear.
How do I adjust my drum brakes?
Since the brakes do not self adjust, there is a certain method to be used regularly. First, you must elevate the subject wheel and access the adjuster by removing the rubber plug at the 6 o'clock position on the rear of the backing plate. Next, with the wheel rotating in the forward direction of trailer travel, you must tighten the adjuster until the wheel stops and cannot be rotated by hand. Then release the adjuster tension until wheel spins one full revolution after a rotational spin force is applied by hand. Repeat the procedure for each wheel on the trailer equipped with brakes. It is critical to adjust the brakes on a regular basis.
How do I adjust my disc brakes?
Disc brakes adjust themselves and do not require manual adjustment.
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Why didn't Venture do what THEY themselves recommend? I don't think Tony told them to put ONLY 2 brakes on it, and make sure that they are only drum brakes. Tony will be out of the office for a few weeks. I spoke to Will this morning and they will do something when Tony gets back. Will now understands that we are very concerned about this.
Anyone buying a Telstar in the next few weeks should specify disc brakes on BOTH axles before the sale. It will probably raise the price of the trailer by around $250, but it will be worth it.