Too much brake?

[Mayne]

Is there such a thing as "over braking" a trailer? I'm finally able to re axel my M416, as it's getting a little pudgy. I'd like to keep a 3" Dia axel for ease of installation, and a 5k# axel has this and a number of niceties that are available like self adjusting brakes and hand brakes in one settup. But... the brake is a 12"x 2" brake drum as aposed to the 10" variety.
Also are the self adjusting brakes worth a darn, or don't bother?
Thanks
Mayne

 

[dvsjw]

The electrical brake adjuster will prevent any over braking. I doubt that you can have too much if you use just a controlled percent of the braking. With the big tires that we are putting on I would say the 10 inch drum may not be enough.

I check them at each camp and adjust them every 1000 miles barring any strange input from the trailer. I think if they were self adjusting I might not be under there looking for other things that might be right. Things like broken wires, grease leaks and loose or missing nuts/bolts. Once you get the hang of it they only take 5 minutes to adjust.

 

[Mayne]

Thanks. I'll look into that instead of getting the self adjusting breaks, as it makes a lot of sense. That maybe save a few bucks.
Mayne

 

[Martyn]

Unless you specifically want the larger bearings the 10" brakes on 3500 lb axle should be fine for your needs. Going to the larger brake hub has a huge increase in the weight of the axle.

 

[Mayne]

Don't really want the weight, I just want the 3 inch axle diameter. Martyn do you happen to know if Dexter has a 3 inch axle diameter option for the 3500 pound axles?

 

[Martyn]

Don't really want the weight, I just want the 3 inch axle diameter. Martyn do you happen to know if Dexter has a 3 inch axle diameter option for the 3500 pound axles?

The difference is in the size of the spindle where it welds into the end of the tube. The 1750lb spindle is going to be too small for the 3" tube unless you modify the tubing. Buying a new complete axle is an inexpensive option.

 

[Mayne]

Yes, the plan is a new axel. I'm trying to find out if dexter makes the 3500# in 3". I've the original M416 Axel underneath the trailer now. The idea of having a 3" axle tube, is simply ease of replacement with current parts and fabrication work. Unless I'm off on original axel diameter?
It has been raining, so I have been hesitant to go lay underneath the trailer. LOL
Mayne.

 

[Outback]

Not sure what the difference in weight is but it cannot be that huge of a difference (axle wise) in the scheme of things. As far as over braking that is controlled inside with your brake controller. You could over brake with either size brake drums if you don't fine tune the brakes for your load, road conditions and angle of decent/accent. As far as self adjust brakes I believe they self adjust when you back up and apply the brakes. At least that's how they use to do it. No big deal and the cost between the two would seem insignificant to me. Better than adjusting them in camp every morning or so.

 

[Mayne]

Looks like it's actually smaller that 3". I must be getting it mixed up with all the brackets for the planned air suspension. Even that's not a big deal anymore I suppose as the plasma cutter will help with brackets when I get to making a new frame... Someday.

 

[Martyn]

Not sure what the difference in weight is but it cannot be that huge of a difference (axle wise) in the scheme of things. As far as over braking that is controlled inside with your brake controller. You could over brake with either size brake drums if you don't fine tune the brakes for your load, road conditions and angle of decent/accent. As far as self adjust brakes I believe they self adjust when you back up and apply the brakes. At least that's how they use to do it. No big deal and the cost between the two would seem insignificant to me. Better than adjusting them in camp every morning or so.

There wouldn't be a huge difference in the axle components between the 5000lb axle and the 3500lb but the brake backing plates and braked hubs for the 5500 is considerable.

 

[Mayne]

Thanks again for your thoughts on this folks. It's appreciated.
Mayne

 

[highdesertranger]

well as far as the question, "can I have to much braking". no you can't. stopping is more important than going. highdesertranger