Better Brakes for Big Duck

The totally electric brakes on Big Duck's trailer have always done the job, but a few months ago I pulled a different trailer with electric brakes and was impressed by their stopping power - even had to use the controller to dial back the voltage.

I had previously installed new shoes, backing plates and magnets so I thought I'd machine the drums and magnet surfaces to see if there would be any improvement - then discovered that for $60 a wheel I could have brand new drums, bearings and seals and upgrade from 5,200 lbs outer bearings to 6,000 lb bearings (the inner bearing is the same for both specs). So new hubs/drums it is.



I had been working with a 3 ton floor jack, running it up under one axle at a time but not only do I have dirt under the trailer that makes positioning the jack difficult, I almost have to stand on the handle while pumping which wears me out.

So I bought an air/hydraulic 12 ton bottle jack and fitted the screw out top with a hockey puck.


Now I just put the jack under the frame, hook up the compressed air, squeeze the trigger and up she goes. It's a lot easier raising the frame than trying to finagle the floor jack around a wheel and under an axle in dirt and grass. (I wouldn't want to try this frame lifting with an aluminum trailer).

I made a long reach handle to release the pressure and put a "T" handle in it for more control

Then I remembered a spring pad weld that had broke loose and let the axle slide back about 1/2". This destroyed a tire a while back and I thought better braking might tax the other welds if the axles weren't real snug to the springs. So bought new 9/16 tie plate kits for all 4 springs and will torque the U-bolts to the max.

#4203-LZP

And just to be on the safe side, I bought Timken bearings instead of using the "Made in China" ones that came with the drums. I'm still gambling on the China made races that came installed in the drums?

To make the drum swap a real challenge, it's been sweltering here for weeks (mid and upper 90's all day). I've resorted to using my wife's Cool Vest when I work outside. You put the inserts in the freezer and when you wear it the little ice cubes keep you cool for a couple hours.

https://www.amazon.com/FlexiFreeze-FF0IV02-0IVNV-Ice-Vest-Navy/dp/B001P30358/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1469074941&sr=8-3&keywords=cool+vest

When I get her all together I'll be ready for a Fall Outing.