JKChad
Observer
So I'm about ready to order a new axle/hubs with brakes for my camping trailer build. I'm going to run 6 lug, 6 x 5.5 pattern, to match my tow vehicle, 05 Tahoe.
Little background on my trailer. It's a custom built 4' x 6.5' with 17.75" tall side utility trailer. The frame is 2"x4"x.250" steel C channel along with the vertical side wall supports. The inner side walls are .250" plate aluminum. This trailer was custom built by my grandfather 30+ years ago. It's very sturdy and I will be doing a full restoration on it, including a custom frame tag of my grandfather's brand logo to pay respects to him. He was a machinist by trade and built many custom clocks and some amazing furniture peices as a hobby. I'm currently guessing it's weight to be in the 600-800 lb range. It will have a custom adjustable cargo rack built to support my CVT Mt. Rainer extended rooftop tent. Future plans include metal cover, water storage, propane, and deep cycle battery with solar charging.
My current dilemma, I want the trailer to have brakes and recently discovered that Dexter and axle tec, who is a little cheaper, makes the 10" x 2.25" brake assembly with a parking brake option.
The Dexter unit with parking brake features will cost me about $100 more than the standard unit, axle tec will be about $50 more, and will require manual adjustment. Plus I will have the added cost of the parking brake mechanism.
The non-parking brake unit saves me money and also self adjust.
Am I over thinking this? I've pulled many trailers and spent years living in campers while traveling for work. It seems like the the parking brake feature would really come in handy for trailer stability while parked and obviously add an extra layer of safety.
Any input would be greatly appreciated. I will update the thread with part numbers and any other informative data for those who might be wondering the same.
Thanks,
Chad
Little background on my trailer. It's a custom built 4' x 6.5' with 17.75" tall side utility trailer. The frame is 2"x4"x.250" steel C channel along with the vertical side wall supports. The inner side walls are .250" plate aluminum. This trailer was custom built by my grandfather 30+ years ago. It's very sturdy and I will be doing a full restoration on it, including a custom frame tag of my grandfather's brand logo to pay respects to him. He was a machinist by trade and built many custom clocks and some amazing furniture peices as a hobby. I'm currently guessing it's weight to be in the 600-800 lb range. It will have a custom adjustable cargo rack built to support my CVT Mt. Rainer extended rooftop tent. Future plans include metal cover, water storage, propane, and deep cycle battery with solar charging.
My current dilemma, I want the trailer to have brakes and recently discovered that Dexter and axle tec, who is a little cheaper, makes the 10" x 2.25" brake assembly with a parking brake option.
The Dexter unit with parking brake features will cost me about $100 more than the standard unit, axle tec will be about $50 more, and will require manual adjustment. Plus I will have the added cost of the parking brake mechanism.
The non-parking brake unit saves me money and also self adjust.
Am I over thinking this? I've pulled many trailers and spent years living in campers while traveling for work. It seems like the the parking brake feature would really come in handy for trailer stability while parked and obviously add an extra layer of safety.
Any input would be greatly appreciated. I will update the thread with part numbers and any other informative data for those who might be wondering the same.
Thanks,
Chad
