trailer brakes

[Hollywood]

Flux, probably a good idea but we don't tow more than 150 miles per year, or else we'd buy a new one. You don't need 4 wheel disc on a trailer, 2 will do just fine. Of course they want you to buy the 4 though...

[gotpwr]

Two is fairly common. Two. No. No.

I think you are making a mountain out of a mole hill. But that's just my opinion and based on the fact that I feel two brakes is more than adequate for 5000lbs. Some people are comfortable with no brakes. In your first post you said that you "wouldn't let almost 5000 pounds of combined boat and trailer weight behind me not have all the axles braking". If that's how you truly feel, then you're going to need four brakes.

[igkya]

Maybe it's not as much a matter of what will work as it is what's legal (trailer inspection). I recently found out the PA requires trailer inspection every year... and 've never had a trailer inspected in 15+ yrs... I now have a 2004 Boatmate tandem with 4 disc brakes that craddles a 206 very nicely, but still didn't go through the inspection process. The government has enuff of our hard earned $$$

[redelf75]

I think Ramlin only puts 2 brakes on their tandem trailer, or at they did when I bought my 2004. I requested 4 because I have been scared more than once before and don't want to feel like that again. Dave at Ramlin is usually happy to discuss these matters with customers and he may know the Candanian laws too. BTW, I can feel my dual axel with 4 brakes kick in and make a big difference in stopping distance and the Durango doesn't feel over stressed whn braking hard. In the big picture, it's not a lot more money to feel that much safer.

[Flux]

what i am trying to find out is it common to have four or two wheel discs on a tandem trailer. what do you have? is four necessary? obviously it is better, but is it a hazzard without them (4)?
thanks

I would have to say that it is more common to only see one axle of brakes on a tandem trailer. I have rarely seen double axle, but would not mind having them. I have single axle brakes on our tandem and it seems to do fine, regardless you will need more room to slow down with a trailer. IMO, a good percentage of folks probably have malfunctioning trailer brakes for one reason or another. Best thing to do is simply take care of your brake system and drive cautiously because your Nautique is back there. Most big tow vehicles have enough brakes on flat inclines that the trailer brakes are redundant. It's the downhill situations that make it necessity.

Be aware that there may be large differences in the actuators for a 1 or 2 axle system. The 2 axle may put out more pressure and if you take the system down to 1 axle the actuator may lock up the trailer brakes.

[Flux]

Flux, probably a good idea but we don't tow more than 150 miles per year, or else we'd buy a new one. You don't need 4 wheel disc on a trailer, 2 will do just fine. Of course they want you to buy the 4 though...

Dig it Hollywood. I understand. You are lucky, we have a minimum tow of 100 miles each way when we want to ride. That's how it goes. so we take extra good care of the trailer. If all we had to do was tow it down the road, then it's no big deal. My worst fear is having to leave the boat to go get parts for the trailer. I keep it everything lubed and a careful eye on it. Just replaced the entire barke system on our 02 trailer, 700 bucks, yuck.

[Onthewater]

probably a good idea but we don't tow more than 150 miles per year, or else we'd buy a new one. You don't need 4 wheel disc on a trailer, 2 will do just fine. Of course they want you to buy the 4 though...

the POS that gets the job done, for now.