Possible to install brakes on a trailer that has none?

[blackknife]

I'm going to be getting a 2003 ZX 190 Skeeter, and the single axle trailer does not have factory brakes. Normally this wouldn't worry me, but I'll probably be pulling it with a 2 wheel drive Toyota Tacoma until I can get a bigger truck. Just in chatting with different people I'm getting the notion that having brakes on this trailer would make my life easier....why, I'm not sure. So is it possible to install brakes on a trailer that has none? Would it be expensive, or even worth doing?

TIA,
Jeff

here's a pic...not sure who made the trailer





Modified by blackknife at 4:07 PM 3/11/2008

[rangerguy]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by blackknife &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> Just in chatting with different people I'm getting the notion that having brakes on this trailer would make my life alot easier launching, and pulling out.

TIA,
Jeff




</TD></TR></TABLE>

Don't under stand how trailer brakes will make it easier launching and pulling out. The only time trailer brakes come into play is when you are driving down the road and come to a stop, they just help you stop allot quicker. Has nothing to do with launching or pulling out. Now to you question, yes you can add after market brakes to your trailer. Get hold of Lyn O Dyer here on this board and he can help you. By the way, good looking rig.

[AmesHusker]

I've thought about doing this very same thing. I searched around the internet for trailer brakes and found a couple different manufacturers that offer disk brake kits. I believe they went for $4-500. I'll try to get a link for you.. In my opinion, that's pretty reasonable for the increased saftey!!

Here are a couple links...

http://www.championtrailers.co...S.htm
http://www.nextag.com/trailer-...-html

[blackknife]

I think it was more for launching...like having more stopping power when backing down a ramp. I kind of mis-spoke thinking it would help pulling out. it obviously would not. thanks for the advise on the brakes, and the kind words on my soon to be new boat!

[Lyn O. Dyer]

this can be done only if you have a 4 bolt flange welded to the spindle...

[JR19]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by blackknife &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I think it was more for launching...like having more stopping power when backing down a ramp. I kind of mis-spoke thinking it would help pulling out. it obviously would not. thanks for the advise on the brakes, and the kind words on my soon to be new boat! </TD></TR></TABLE>

When backing down a ramp surge breaks do not work. To my knowledge all boats have surge breaks. There is a piston/cylinder in the tongue of the trailer. When moving forward and you apply the breaks on the tow vehicle the load of the boat will surge forward compress the piston/cylinder and activate the trailer breaks.

Backing up a steep incline can be difficult at times. The load of the boat moves forward and activates the breaks. Pending on what type surge breaks you have there is two ways to deactivate when the load is shifted forward and you are in reverse.

Older models had a locking pin that you could use to lock out the brakes. Newer models have a fifth wire that comes from the pig tail on the tow vehicle. The fifth wire is hooked to your reverse lights. When you put the truck in reverse the trailer brakes are disabled.

[blackknife]

this will be my first "real" boat, so I hope you understand my knowledge is limited as far as trailers go. I thought that if a trailer had brakes that they would work like brakes on a car, and I assumed they would be powered by the pig-tail brake light wire. I'm learning lots of great info here! I think that once I get a bigger truck this won't be as much of an issue. thanks again everyone!

[EasternMarine]

As Lyn asked, does the axle have the brake flange welded to it? If so we offer a complete disc brake kit from for $374.95.

http://shop.easternmarine.com/...yID=0

[blackknife]

I don't know....I have not yet taken ownership of the boat. I'll be getting it around the 20th of this month, so aside from the eBay pics, I don't know if it has a 4 lug welded flange. If it does, I'll definitely consider installing brakes.....after I pay the taxes!

[JR19]

If you have not purchased the boat yet I would question the owner if that boat is setting on the original trailer...I am not a Skeeter expert but that is the first ZX model that I have seen setting on a trailer with out brakes.

To the best of my knowledge all ZX models have brakes included in the trailer. There is some hull differences between the SX and ZX models but the main difference is the factory standard options on the boat and trailer. The best way I can describe the difference between a SX model and a ZX model is the SX is not loaded up with factory options like the ZX...example ZX comes standard with a Jack Plate SX No Jack Plate ZX brakes are standard SX brakes are an option. The list goes on...a ZX has many factory standard things that are an option on an SX.

There is nothing wrong with a SX model it is a fine ride. I would make the comparison like this...the SX is like a Chevy Tahoe and the ZX is a Cadillac Escalade both are fine rides...so that is why I wonder why an ZX has a trailer under it with no brakes. If the trailer was switched out I would want to know why.

[Lyn O. Dyer]

dont buy anything unless you personally inspect it first..no matter how much it costs...

[Lyn O. Dyer]

call me blacknife....

[blackknife]

I have been to look at, and inspect the boat, I just don't have it yet. The PO told me that he bought it from a dealer, and that was the trailer that came with the boat. I don't think he had any reason to question weather or not it was the original trailer. I'm sure like me, he did not know that a ZX should have come with a trailer that had brakes. The trailer is an 03, and the boat is an 03. The boat definitely IS a ZX, but neither he, or I can say if the dealer switched the trailer out for some reason. There are more pics in the ebay ad. Lyn, I will give you a call once I decide what I plan on doing.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...:1123

[Lyn O. Dyer]

UFP recommends 1 set of brakes for 3,000 - 3,750 total pkg weight......3,750-5,000 1 set off 10" brakes is minimum, 2 sets of brakes highly advisable.

[blackknife]

according to my 2008 Skeeter catalog brakes are an UPGRADE on the ZX 180, and the ZX 190 which are single axle trailers. the ZX 200, 225, and 250 come with factory brakes. The SX series only comes with brakes on the SX 200. they are an option on the rest of the line.

I'm not saying I don't want to have brakes, but it does not mean that this is not the original trailer.

[Intimidator1]

That is the original trailer, and if you deside to add brakes. I have a set of backing plates and drums from a Nitro trailer Complete for $25 plus shipping. I was going to add them on another trailer and sold it and hate to see them sitting around.Everything is there,pads bearings bolts bearing buddys. You would have to purchase the lines and actuater Email me asangler@yahoo.com

[blackknife]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Intimidator1 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">That is the original trailer, and if you deside to add brakes. I have a set of backing plates and drums from a Nitro trailer Complete for $25 plus shipping. I was going to add them on another trailer and sold it and hate to see them sitting around.Everything is there,pads bearings bolts bearing buddys. You would have to purchase the lines and actuater Email me asangler@yahoo.com</TD></TR></TABLE>

Thanks...I may just do that once I get it and see exactly what I'm up against.