Trailer brakes in the salt

[Fischer53]

Foul-hooked raised a trailer brake question on the 191 forum and it got me thinking about brakes on trailers. In general I see no particular problems if you are trailering in and out of fresh water. However, as any of you folks that go into the salt know all too well, nothing escapes and everything is ultimately attacked.

Given that scenario, it seems to me that trailer brakes for a tidal fisherman are just a nightmare waiting to happen. They cannot be completely sealed, yet they are probably impossible to adequately flush. I could see having to replace entire brake assemblies after 1 or 2 seasons. What is the actual experience?

[Putershark]

Salt away works well when used in your brake flush system to help keep them in good working condation and can be found at West marine. More information on the product and how it is applied located here...

http://www.saltawayproducts.com/

[Fischer53]

I think you indirectly answered part of my question. You implied that trailer brakes have a flushing system. Is that true? It certianly would help.

[Putershark]

If not already installed, one can add a flushing system to most trailers. Just check with the OEM for the needed part numbers and or the location of a local dealer who can install one for you (if needed)

[Codfish]

If you are into doing things yourself, if you can get a look at a dealer installed flush system, you can make one yourself using flex hose, brass connectors and hose clamps, all available at your local hardware store. My experience is that if you get three seasons on a set of brakes you are lucky, even with the flushers. You can find OEM type parts that are galvanized and some are stainless. Any replacements you have done, make sure they use at least galvanized parts. Switching to disc brakes also makes the flushing easier as the brake parts are exposed. Don't forget to check your bearings also. Even with factory installed bearing buddies your bearings can fail you. That is worse than failed brakes if it happens on the road, which it most certainly will if you neglect them.

I pull my hubs at the end of every season to check for water intrusion into the bearings. Replace the inner seal when you do this. Then you can see how the brake parts are doing and replace them as needed.

If you dip the trailer into salt, even just a few times a year, you will have bearing failure eventually. Don't learn this leason the hard way.

Disc brakes have some known problems, but if you get the proper actuator, the type that relieves some back pressure after actuation, they are a lot easier to care for. The bearings still need attention though. If you do replace your bearings, be sure to do both the inner and the outer and replace both of the races also. Mixing old with new is a recipe for disaster also.

Yes I learned all this the hard way, many years ago.

codfish

[Genelie]

Mine is 3 season old now. And I know they will need service. I use mine strickly salt water. No problems...been lucky.

[Putershark]

Or worse yet (after 3 season's) they are not even helping you stop and you are not even aware of such till is is too late and one day in a panic stop you find out (the hard way) that the truck is doing all the work . So yes, I would check them soon for I would hate to see your equipment destroyed or worse yet, somebody get hurt from brakes that are not working...

I know that after a few months back with our old 210, I had those brakes apart more than once trying to get the brake system to work correctly this since the factory trailer did not have any automatic adjusters for the shoes. I also had a grease seal blow out (only found out when I pulled a drum down one day) and cover one set of shoes with grease which pretty much negated their stopping power for sure...

Matter of fact, I came to the opinion after a while that about the only thing the brakes my 03 trailer stopped, was me from unhooking the boat from the truck This since I had (have) to back my boat "uphill" to it's parking spot and the connection would knuckle under from the retainer not holding it straight... I would then have to bounce the truck back and forth so I could get the tongue level again so I could release the trailer from the boat... Man what a pain in the rear that was getting to be each time I wanted to use the boat.


So after 3 years I would take them apart (or take the boat to a local tire store and have them do it since they have air guns) to run through and inspect the brake system, bearings, and tire condition which is also a good time for a tire balance while they have them off. The money you spend in doing that now, just might save you a lot later on truck brake repairs OR having the whole rig jack knifed around some light pole cause the boat trailer (that is a lot of weight) is NOT helping you stop

[Genelie]

Well thanks for the advise, and yes I should of done it sooner. But rest ashured they work.