Trailer brake system

Hi all,
My original trailer for my 89 ski has drum brakes, with hydraulic lines that attache to .....    

Nothing!

Can anyone advise me how the hydraulic brakes work on a CC trailer.? I have the standard fixed coupling, but no way to activate the brakes.

I would have assumed a slide actuator with reservior arrangement, but mine looks like it never had anything.??

Are the brakes required to assist the tow vehicle when towing, or are they only for keeping the boat stationary when the boat is parked.?

Either way, I need to modify mine so they work.

Any Ideas.?

Chopper wrote: Either way, I need to modify mine so they work. Any Ideas.?

I'll 2nd that.   take them off and throw them in the weeds

Assuming it is an 89 factory trailer, then yes, surge brakes from the factory. BKH

Chopper:

It seems that the PO (or someone) installed the very rare similuted trailer brake system (assuming to get past the casual authority). Anyway, I am betting that your trailer is also missing the drum brake "guts" since you stated your lines are not connected to anything.

So, there are three common systems:

1. Hydraulic drum
2. Hydraulic disk
3. Electric drum

I would stay away from electric as the system does not like being submerged in water and will not last long.

Hydraulic drum setup with be the least expensive and easiest to install/setup, but will require more maintenance than hydraulic disks.

If it was me, I would go the hydraulic disk route.

Either hydraulic system will require a surge actuator. However, they are not both the same, so make sure you get the proper actuator if going the disk route.

Once you decide, there are many on this site that can guide you through the process.

You do not have to have the reverse lock out soleniod, you simply put the chain hook through the hole, so it will not allow the brakes to be actuated while backing up the trailer.

David F wrote: Chopper: It seems that the PO (or someone) installed the very rare similuted trailer brake system (assuming to get past the casual authority). Anyway, I am betting that your trailer is also missing the drum brake "guts" since you stated your lines are not connected to anything.

I haven't actually checked the "guts" yet. Might look into that this weekend when I do the wheel bearings / races.

The lines are connected to the bacl of the drums and tee together on the axle, but the line from there has been cut, and there is no sign of any kind of brake actuator.?

If there are infact no insides to my drums, I will probably convert to cable operated disc arrangement with slide actuation at the tow hitch.

87BFN owner wrote: It's really not that big of a deal. I always unplug my lights anyway, so I am already back there.

You unplug the lights every time you back the boat up? Or just when you launch it?

dexteraxle.com has a ton of info on trailer brake systems, etc.

Can anyone provide a part number for the wheel cylinders.?

My brake system is good except for these.

When redoing the brakes on the boat trailer I usually pull the end caps off the wheel cylenders and run a bead of permatex around it to help seal it.