Disc trailer brakes?

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

So, I'm surfing e-trailer.com, and stumbled across disc brake sets for trailers. I want to eventually run electric brakes on my trailer, but have only ever seen drum brakes. Is anyone running discs? Impressions?

Craig

 

[WMac]

I have disks on my twin axle car hauler. I dont really notice any diffrence as far as braking is concerned. Its a trailer and controlled by the brake controller.

There is a sence of "Better" with the disks, but ive had other trailers with drums and they all work when the controller and axle are set correctly.

 

[mcneil]

I'd stick with drums for a trailer. The only benefit to discs would be resistance to brake fade on long grades. Drum brakes are usually self-actuating (meaning the braking torque works to apply more activation pressure). Just make sure you get self-adjusting drum brakes.

 

[uk trailer guy]

same as that ^^^. They're useful on boat trailers, for ease of maintenance; the ability to wash salt water off, before it starts corroding the braking system etc, but drums are fine for general use. We fit up to 1800kg (circa 3960lbs) GVW single axle trailers with drum brakes, with no issues at all.

 

[tweenerlj]

I could see discs being advantageous if you were to drag your trailer through a lot of mud.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

I was about to say. In the mud, they'd be better.

 

[The Adam Blaster]

x3 on the mud issue.

 

[KG6BWS]

The only problem I see with the disk trailer brakes is that (the ones Ive seen) are that theyre electrically activated hydraulic. With drum brakes, if a wire breaks, you splice it together and call it good. Hydraulic would be harder to fix in the field.

Otherwise, I like the idea of disks for the self cleaning abilities in mud and such. Would be very nice after a trip to still have trailer brakes because theyre not packed with crap like drums would be.