Trailer rebuild

[Kevin P Winters]

So my trailer needs brakes and bearings. The drums are shot as well as most of the brake components. I am thinking that maybe it makes sense to upgrade to disk? since i go in salt water I want something that will last a while. Is there any drawbacks to Disk?

 

[ASH]

Replacing the entire axle may be more cost effective in your situation. If you are going to back it in salt nothing is going to last very long. I had electric over hydraulic disc on my last trailer and it was great (fresh water). You have brakes as you back down a ramp.....That is handy on steep ramps. The drawback for you would be the expense of a electric pump on your trailer tongue if you don't already have it.

 

[Spark600]

Disk brakes are great but you have to use the trailer.
I installed all new disk brakes, Hoses and brake actuator on my trailer that only lasted one season as the brake calipers froze up.
I use the trailer in salt water.
I only use the trailer twice a year once to put the boat in the water and once to take it out at the end of the season.
They say you are supposed to drive the trailer around a bit ever three to four weeks to stop the calipers from freezing up.

 

[Kevin P Winters]

So it sounds like Calipers are trouble in salt water?
I know drum brakes have issues with sitting a lot too but one season is not good.

 

[2016FLD]

I switched mine to disk last summer, use it 2-3 month in salt water, hose down afterwards, no problems so far. Switching to disk required switching my coupler, I was told they're different between disk and drum, old one was froze up so would have had to change it either way

 

[scoflaw]

With lighter boats and local towing, I remove the brakes. More trouble than they're worth

 

[Kevin P Winters]

With lighter boats and local towing, I remove the brakes. More trouble than they're worth

Funny you say that.
I started teardown today to see what I need to purchase. Someone removed the break lines so what I though was not working well was not working at all. My bearing grease is rust color though so it looks bearings are likely shot.