I've got a 5er with electric drum brakes. (Dexter axles.) I saw a new 5er today that had hydraulic disk brakes. How do they work ? Are they powered by the tow vehicle or ?

How well do they work ?

I hear that Trailer Life had an article on converting a trailer. Is there a link ? (I can't find one.)

Anyone look into doing their own conversion ?

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BOAT-...73058815QQrdZ1

Like this, but for 5ers ?

 

They are electric over hyd.- the electric current from your tow veh. activates a hyd. pump to operate the disc brakes. The trailer life article also had a road test that was very impressive. The truck trailer combo just about stopped in the same distance as the truck alone!
Can't help you with a link.

 

I tow a 3453 KZ New Vision. The stock electric brakes never worked to my satisfaction. I ordered a disk conversion from Southwest Wheel and installed earlier this year. The electric over hydraulic controller is a Titan Brakerite and the disks are Kodiak. The difference in braking is awe inspiring, the trailer brakes can easily stop (not reccommended) the entire rig. I am currently using a Prodigy controller, which works very well with the hydraulics. Set it and forget it.

 

nvken: How much was the conversion ? Did you change hubs as part of the conversion ?

This sounds like exactly what I'd like to do.

What powers the brakes on the trailer. Is there a little hydraulic pump ?

Thanks.

 

Superduty: The conversion was right at $1300 for parts and shipping.
The Titan ehb Brakerite is the hydraulic pump. Check out http://www.southwestwheel.com/

I used the 7000 lb. kit. Everything but brake fluid is included. If you check out Morryde.com, they use all the same parts for their conversions.

Sorry I couldn't get back to you sooner but I am on the road and connectivity is sometimes lacking.