LB,

First - I would like to hear your answer to Brian's question, but I post
answers to you questions in-line (I hate this, but it will be easiest
in this case).

wrote:
I'm seeking recommended maintenance for the brakes on our sailboat trailer.
We've had this trailer with Tie Down disc surge brakes and Dico actuator
for almost 7 years and even though the brake system seems to be working ok,
I'm thinking it's due for some extreme maintenance. We trailer every week
about 10 miles round-trip to fresh water and every year an additional 500
miles to salt water. The trailer is tandem axle with brakes on the rear.
The boat weighs about 2500#. My inclination is to replace hubs, rotors,
calipers, actuator, back-up solenoid, and even hydraulic lines and hoses.
(I believe in preventive maintenance.) Is this too extreme and should I
expect a much longer life from disc brakes?

I've tried to obtain some actuator info from Tie Down about their Model 66
Actuator but 2 queries to them ) have been ignored. I was
wondering
1. How is the breakaway function reset?
Whent he chain gets jerked the spring on top will fall into a notch in
the lever. Pry the spring up and lever the coupler bck into place.
2. Can the surge brake function easily be disabled?
Yes - that is what the back-up solenoid does. Why??
3. When installed, is the back-up solenoid covered (protected)?
Most are not, they just hang out in the air, but if left unsupported,
they can vibrate and break a steel line.
4. Is the Model 66 disc brake actuator the same as the Model 66 drum brake
actuator but with the check valve disabled?
I don't know those model numbers - too new.
5. Are all components rustproof?
No, they rust just like your car brakes do.
Someone outthere makes SS disk brakes, but I have been know to
knock-down and repaint a Dico coupler or several.

Are there more cost effective brake components than Tie Down?
I never bough Tie Down. I do a commercial trailer shop.

TIA for inputs to any of the above.

Any time

LB


Matt Colie