Add Drums or change to Discs?

[Roc Doc]

I have a 7k Texas Bragg (http://www.texasbraggtrailers.com/Classic%20Car%20Carriers.htm) trailer and it has 10" drum brakes on only one axle, and I'd like more braking performance. My options are to add drums to the second axle or convert the existing drums to discs.

The braking power is not really a problem, it's more brake fade, so I'm leaning towards the disc conversion. The money would be about the same, as I'd need to replace the existing brakes anyway.

Thoughts or sources for disc brake conversions.

Thanks,

Doc

[Mechanos]

I vote for adding drum brakes to the second axle. My current trailer has brakes on both axles and it's a night & day difference over my old trailer(s) with brakes on only one axle.

[Trailer Guy]

I second the vote for just adding drums. Doing a disc conversion is a PITA and the disc brakes for trailers aren't everything they are cracked up to be. When it comes to disc's, we replace almost as many hub/rotor combo's as we do pads.

And when you change out the old brakes that you have now, I suggest just doing a loaded backing plate. You won't be spending all that much more, and you'll be starting with all brand new parts.

[The Jerk]

i added drums to my second axel and WOW. so much nicer and even braking. new truck doesnt hurt either,

[Mud Slayer 2.0]

I was thinking of doing this as well.. is there anything special to add ?? or just press a drum onto the studs and add the loaded backing plate.. ?

[KWTMECH]

With 15'' tires you should be able to step up to 12'' drums. But definately go with brakes on both axles.

[Mechanos]

I was thinking of doing this as well.. is there anything special to add ?? or just press a drum onto the studs and add the loaded backing plate.. ?
You must have never had your trailer brake drums off before.... the hub IS the brake drum. If the axle already has the backing plate mounting flange on it (some do, some don't) then you just take the hub off, install the backing plate (you can get these already loaded) and put the new drum/hub on. Hook up the wiring to the magnets and you're done. If the flange isn't already installed, you'd have to get a flange too and weld it onto the axle.

[Trailer Guy]

You must have never had your trailer brake drums off before.... the hub IS the brake drum. If the axle already has the backing plate mounting flange on it (some do, some don't) then you just take the hub off, install the backing plate (you can get these already loaded) and put the new drum/hub on. Hook up the wiring to the magnets and you're done. If the flange isn't already installed, you'd have to get a flange too and weld it onto the axle.
I just did a quick job this morning before we openned for a buddy, so I'll post up a thread with a some pics, and then (if I remember) I'll come back and edit to add a link.

[ka4yqi]

I always wonder how you get a 7000 lbs trailer, that they put 3500 lbs worth of brakes on it. Should have brake on both axle to start with when it was builted.