"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 14 Nov 2006 23:29:26 GMT, "Calif Bill"
wrote:


"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
. ..
On Tue, 14 Nov 2006 19:09:27 GMT, "RG" wrote:


However, in the case of a trailer, stopping potential isn't really
what trailer brakes are designed for. The stopping power is with the
tow vehicle, the trailer braking systems, as I understand it, are only
for controlling the trailer and do little to stop the tow vehicle.
It's not like a tractor trailer combination.


It might start to lean in that direction in certain situations. My
truck
weighs about 7,200 pounds empty. The boat and trailer weigh in at
14,200
pounds, or about double the weight of the tow vehicle. While that ratio
is
not as extreme as a loaded tractor/trailer combo, it's starting to move
in
that direction, and I damn sure expect the six braking wheels on the
trailer
to do their part in stopping the entire rig in addition to providing
trailer
control.

I accept that trailers in most situations need stopping power and I
agree that in larger trailers, they are part of the stopping solution.

What I disagree with is boats like my Ranger which has rear mounted
surge disc brakes and as far as I can tell, have very little effect on
braking - the truck does most of the "braking".

That is because you got crappy, out of adjustment drum brakes.

BBBZZZZTTTT!!! Wrong.

I changed to disk brakes, Kodiak, and you can definitely tell the
difference. And that is towing 4400# with a 3/4 diesel.

That's what I have on the trailer now. I retro fitted two years ago.

And I still can't tell the difference.

Are they working. Or your boat is light weight. Or you are towing with a
Geo Metro and can not get the brakes to actuate.