Trailer brakes replacement help

[nvip9r]

Looking for a little help on replacing my trailer brakes on the 2000 Performance Trailer I have for my Malibu VLX. It originally has surge hydraulic drum brakes. Now the master cylinder on the coupler is junk. What my question is, what do others have for brakes on their trailer? I live on the lake and don't really need to travel far, but sometimes I do like to travel no nearby lakes or even thinking of maybe bringing the boat out to NY or NH next year. Should I upgrade to electric drum brakes or is hydraulic still better? Any help would be great. What are they running on the newer trailers? Also my trailer is a dual axle but only one axle has brakes, should I upgrade to dual brakes? Thanks for any help.

[WakeGirl]

Electric over hydraulic. Full electric in a marine environment wouldn't be ideal. Extreme Trailers has a kit: link. Remember, you'll still need the controller in the tow rig to use the system, but I think that's the way that I'd lean.

[rodman]

I would keep the hydraulic brake system it works great and electric would be very expensive.

Almost all the new trailers have disc brakes great if you have a new trailer also expensive to convert over. What you have is fine the only thing that I would do is convert both axles to have brakes. You will have to get new backing plates, drums and brakes, also run some brake lines and fittings.

I just did the conversion and have about $400 in all new brakes and drums. I am not sure what the master cylinder is.

Just look up trailer brakes on the internet or e-bay you will find everything you could need.

[68Slalom]

I would find a newer trailer and call it day, that's about what it will cost if you try and retrofit yours. Sell your for a fair price and find a newer one that matches or talk to a shop that makes them, I'm sure they have a used one that will work for you.

[68Slalom]

Looking for a little help on replacing my trailer brakes on the 2000 Performance Trailer I have for my Malibu VLX. It originally has surge hydraulic drum brakes. Now the master cylinder on the coupler is junk. What my question is, what do others have for brakes on their trailer? I live on the lake and don't really need to travel far, but sometimes I do like to travel no nearby lakes or even thinking of maybe bringing the boat out to NY or NH next year. Should I upgrade to electric drum brakes or is hydraulic still better? Any help would be great. What are they running on the newer trailers? Also my trailer is a dual axle but only one axle has brakes, should I upgrade to dual brakes? Thanks for any help.

If your not towing so far all the time, why are you so worried about the brakes? What are you using to tow with?

[nvip9r]

I am towing with a Jeep Commander with the 4.7L. I am not too worried about towing...I am just thinking safety...never know when some little kid or crazy texter driver will be in front of you...plus would like to bring boat to NH or NY for a family vacation at some point next year. Rather be safe than sorry.

Don't think a new trailer would be worth the difference in price compared to a change over or even just upgrading the brakes. Just wanted to see others thoughts. I am thinking of just replacing the surge hydraulic coupler and hoping the rest of the stuff works. But I am lucky that I live on a small lake but also have friends on different lakes that sometimes we bring the boat there. And like I said safety.

I think the cost of electric over hydraulic will be way to pricey. But wasn't sure if to switch to discs or just keep the drums.

I never had a trailer with brakes, so right now just thinking for the winter to fix the trailer so it will be good to go for the next several years.

thanks again

[Ndawg12]

Not to mention you're required by law to have operating trailer brakes on any combined load over 1500lbs I believe.