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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Best Trailer Brake Actuator?

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DonaldM
Deckhand

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USA
21 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/23/2012 : 22:28:50

I have to replace my trailer brake actuator due to extensive corrosion of the master cylinder assembly. My current actuator is made by Tie Down Engineering. Although I could replace the master cylinder assembly, I would like to change to a different brand that has better corrosion protection (or at least easy access to the master cylinder to be able to flush it after launch). We launch in salt water every time we sail, and the actuator is submerged each time because of the extending tongue.

The actuator capacity needs to be a minimum of 7,000 lbs. and be suitable for tandem axles with disc brakes on all four wheels. I welcome opinions and experience about actuator brands and model numbers to use – and what not to use.

Thanks,
Don

2007 C250 WK, #911
Road King Trailer
Camarillo, California

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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 07/24/2012 : 02:50:56

Don, we replaced our actuator this year, not for the same reasons, our trailer only had disc brakes on one of the tandem axles and we upgraded it to have discs on both axles (new axles, new brakes and new actuator)

We don't dip the actuator (Water ballast) but we do rinse the trailer after every dunk. As the marina we use has turned off the water, we're now carrying a garden spray with water/salt remove chemical.

Our plan is to spray the trailer after each dunk, carrying enough chemical to refill and spray for the retrieval dunk.

Paul

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DonaldM
Deckhand

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USA
21 Posts

Response Posted - 07/24/2012 : 06:20:17

Paul,
Do you know what brand and model of actuator you have, and are your disc brakes the same brand? I'm also planning to use a sprayer like you mentioned. What chemical are you planning to use?
Don

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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 07/24/2012 : 07:55:31

I'll take look at lunchtime.

Paul

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pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts

Response Posted - 07/25/2012 : 15:43:56

DICO 10

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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 07/25/2012 : 16:15:03

I'll take look at lunchtime.

Paul

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delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 07/25/2012 : 16:34:53

Paul,
What'd you do with the old actuator? Is it still functional? I need to replace mine and I've been watching CL for one to come up for sale.

If yours is functional, with a 2" coupler, want to sell it?

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 07/26/2012 : 21:06:21

Check out Attwood actuators at etrailer.com.

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JeanAndre
Navigator

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USA
224 Posts

Response Posted - 07/27/2012 : 06:38:34

Just my 2/100 fwiw....

I use electric brakes with a proportioner from tekonsha and I am pretty happy with it.
My trailer came with an actuator that was busted and PO installed electric brakes. I can´t complain.

Cheers

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DonaldM
Deckhand

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USA
21 Posts

Response Posted - 07/27/2012 : 06:54:10

Frank,
From my research (online and at boat ramps), the DICO 10 (now called Titan Model 10) seems quite popular. Has your's had any corrosion problems?

David,
The Atwood looks like good possibility. I've seen them, and they have an open bottom which should make flushing easy. Any idea about its corrosion resistance, especially the master cylinder parts (exposed piston rod, spring, etc.)?

Thanks,
Don

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dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 07/27/2012 : 21:38:49

Can't speak about corrosion resistance, sorry. I put a Attwood on our trailer and have been happy with it, but we deal with fresh water only.

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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 07/28/2012 : 05:28:10

Don, sorry for the late response.

We have a Triton Break Hitch

And Kodiak Disc Brakes on all 4 wheels.

The disc calipers are Stainless, the discs are not.

Paul

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pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts

Response Posted - 07/29/2012 : 13:18:48

My '82 had a trail rite under it with the Dico 10, it is designed to rebuild which makes it a good log term choice to me. Brake components reflect the owner, most of us allow them to fall into disrepair regardless of their design. I did put electrics under my '89 and believe electrics are the way to go if possible.

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DonaldM
Deckhand

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USA
21 Posts

Response Posted - 07/30/2012 : 07:50:46

Paul,
I've heard lots of good things about Kodiak brakes, I hope to upgrade to them in the future.

Jean & Frank,
I don't know much about electric brakes. Are you speaking about fully electric -- i.e., electric drum brakes with an electric actuator operated from the tow vehicle? Jean, the Tekonsha looks like it is for fully electric? If so, I thought those systems didn't like water. Since I already have hydraulic disc brakes at the wheels, I probable will want to keep them.

If you are talking about electric over hydraulic, what does one need to know to make the conversion? Any issues with using in salt water? Can you point me to any websites that have good info about this?

Thanks much,
Don

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pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts

Response Posted - 07/30/2012 : 10:12:21

easternmarine.com and study up. Having redone a hydraulic set on the '82 I knew how much work that was and for me changing over to electric on my '89 was easier. Of course they say you can ramp launch with them but I use a crane so it was not a concern for me anyway. The increase in road control with a traditional electric brake set up was huge for me. The ability to use the brakes independent of the vehicle brakes is great.

Edited by - pastmember on 07/30/2012 10:21:59

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts

Response Posted - 07/30/2012 : 20:34:24

Several on this site have used Champion Trailers in Slidell, LA and have received very good support and good prices.

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pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts

Response Posted - 07/30/2012 : 21:03:53

I have also bought from Champion, they are great as well.

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