Posted 2015-10-01 9:40 AM (#164913) Subject: Failed drum brake on old trailer
Member
Posts: 7
Location: Wisconsin
I have an old, 1972(!) Stoddard Horseman two-horse trailer with surge drum brakes. The other day, one of the brakes locked up tight. Turned out that one of the two brake pads/linings had broken free, and had wedged in by the other brake pad. I've tried to find a replacement brake shoe/lining kit at our local parts stores, but am striking out. I also don't know that the surge breaks themselves have been functioning for awhile. (Never really feel them kick in, and there wasn't much visible, fresh wear, apart from what might have been caused by the loose pad. Brake fluid is kept topped off.) I was planning on using the trailer again this weekend, and am planning a 6-hour trip with it in October. Need the trailer to be safe, but prefer not to spend a fortune on it, as it's so old. For the time being, can I put the wheel back on as is (one pad/lining off, one on)? Will this cause problems?? Can I/should I just disable the entire braking system for the time being? Any ideas where I might be able to hunt down a replacement brake kit? Thanks for the help!
Posted 2015-10-01 11:50 AM (#164915 - in reply to #164913) Subject: RE: Failed drum brake on old trailer
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
How about switching over to electric brakes, may be the cheapest way in the long run and still have brakes......http://www.trailerrvparts.com/Lippert-3500LB-Straight-Spring-Brake-TrailerRv-Axle-88HF-70SC_p_683.html
Posted 2015-10-01 6:40 PM (#164925 - in reply to #164913) Subject: RE: Failed drum brake on old trailer
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Surge brakes are allowed on any trailer with a gross vehicle weight rating of 12,000 pounds or less. However, this rule only applies if the rating of the trailer is less than 1.75 times that of the vehicle that is towing it. For trailers with a rating between 12,000 and 20,000 pounds, the rating of the trailer cannot exceed that of the vehicle towing by any more than 1.25 times. http://www.rentalmanagementmag.com/Art/tabid/232/ArticleId/10591 Surge brake maintenance can be time-consuming and troublesome. Just like the tow vehicle's brakes, the trailer's brakes must be maintained and serviced regularly to ensure that they'll work properly when they're needed most. With surge brakes, this involves changing the brake fluid, checking and/or replacing the lines and fittings carefully when corroded or leaking, and replacing the brake shoes and related parts. In addition, just like when servicing tow vehicle brakes, surge brakes must be bled in order to work properly. It's no wonder most surge brake systems go unserviced for many years, sometimes for the entire life of the trailer if it's used infrequently....
Posted 2015-10-01 6:59 PM (#164926 - in reply to #164913) Subject: RE: Failed drum brake on old trailer
Expert
Posts: 2953 Location: North Carolina
Originally written by elizabeth976 on 2015-10-01 6:40 AM
I have an old, 1972(!) Stoddard Horseman two-horse trailer with surge drum brakes. The other day, one of the brakes locked up tight. Turned out that one of the two brake pads/linings had broken free, and had wedged in by the other brake pad. I've tried to find a replacement brake shoe/lining kit at our local parts stores, but am striking out. I also don't know that the surge breaks themselves have been functioning for awhile. (Never really feel them kick in, and there wasn't much visible, fresh wear, apart from what might have been caused by the loose pad. Brake fluid is kept topped off.) I was planning on using the trailer again this weekend, and am planning a 6-hour trip with it in October. Need the trailer to be safe, but prefer not to spend a fortune on it, as it's so old. For the time being, can I put the wheel back on as is (one pad/lining off, one on)? Will this cause problems?? Can I/should I just disable the entire braking system for the time being? Any ideas where I might be able to hunt down a replacement brake kit? Thanks for the help!
First .. Do Not put the single shoe back on. You will damage the drum. Better disable the surge brake and have NO brakes. NOT !! You need brakes on a horse trailer..IF the drums have not been worn or damaged by the failure... A NEW brake plate set will be the best / lowest cost repair. About $120 in parts. FOR EXAMPLE ONLY Double check the size of the brake drums before ordering. ...http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-10-x2-1-4-Hydraulic-Marine-Trailer-Brake-Assembly-Pair-Set-21016-/130887819687?hash=item1e7985a1a7&vxp=mtrI have used this seller before. The drums may be salvaged by turning, to cut them smooth again. There is a wear limit, beyond which you'll need new drums. But then E-bay has them too.
Failed drum brake on old trailer
