homemade trailer braking

[firesq14]

hello all,
what i have is a 94 chevy truck made into a trailer. what i want to do is put a braking system on it. not sure how i would do this. i have looked on the net and so far only have found "conversion" kits from drum to disc. if i have to do that fine. but what i do not know is the "mechanics" behind it. do i change out the whole hydralic lines and all, or it there a way to use the electric to a master type cylinder to use the hydralics?

 

[jeffjeeptj]

Look at surge brake actuators. These will mount on the tongue and is an integrated ball coupler and master cylinder. I suggest keeping the drums, but assure you get a surge unit that can be "blocked" to allow backing up a hill.
HTH

 

[bob91yj]

Surge brakes are common on boat trailers, talking to the folks at a local full service boat shop should be helpful.

 

[firesq14]

very cool ideas. i live in Ma. i know that surge brakes are... "not allowed". but i have used them before.

 

[bob91yj]

U-Haul trailers use surge brakes, got me to thinking...quick search turned this up...

http://www.rentalpulse.com/Article/tabid/95/smid/426/ArticleID/1261/reftab/113/Default.aspx

I didn't do a lot of research on it, but looks like they should be legal for your needs.

 

[Betarocker]

Google "Electric over hydralic brake actuator"

This design allows the use of hydraulic brakes on the trailer, and uses standard electric brake controller in the cab.