www.iFourWinns.com

I'm replacing brakes on my trailer and am curious as to what other 245 Vista owners have on their trailers. The trailer came with a titan/disco model 60 actuator and drums which I think should be replaced with a heavier duty model and disks. I know the obvious suggestion is to go weigh the boat and figure out what I'll need, but without working brakes, I'd rather not be towing, much less pulling up along side the troopers at the weigh station. My calculations have been about 5500 dry with gear and 6400 wet plus whatever the trailer weighs (1000 lbs?). Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

10" disc brakes on all axles. My preference, Kodiak over Tie Down

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Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

Just curious, why the preference for Kodiak?

The current Trailer Boats Magazine has an article on replacing a coupler with a new Tie Down #66. Note that the check valve must be removed from any coupler that's going to be connected to disc brakes.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

I have not seen Tie Down calipers last long. The people in our boat club that have had them get a couple seasons at best out of them before the calipers get rebuilt or replaced.

Also, the kodiak brakes use the same pads as an erly 90's Chevy Cavilier, very available and cheap at your local discount parts store.

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Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

My Tie Down calipers use those same Cavalier pads. That's interesting about the longevity of the calipers, though. I'll certainly be keeping an eye on mine. Mine are heavy aluminum calipers with bi-metal pistons.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Mike, they very well may have redesigned their stuff. I haven't had really goo luck with anything tie-down

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Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

Any thoughts or preferences on actuators?

Dico/Titan

Try http://www.championtrailers.com

Remember, there are two types of couplers, ones for drum and ones for disc

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Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

I'm looking at a 10" disc set made by Kodiak. It looks like they come with an oil lubricated bearing system. From the sounds of it, the clear bearing covers are screwed in and partialy filled with a bearing oil rather than grease. Do you not have to pack the bearings with this type of system? It seems like oil might leak out easier? Is this a good way to go or if I should find something else with a more traditional system where you fill the hubs with grease?

I don't trailer that frequently, but I do take an occasional trip (the longest being about 500 miles). I live in Minnesota so the trailer never sees saltwater and the trailer is stored form October to April. I'm not sure if any of this is relavent to the bearing decision but I thought I would throw it out just in case.

i have heard of the oil types leaking, so be sure to get the best one...not sure what brand though....i belv the oil is good for 50k miles and no packing.

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2005 Funship 214 5.0GXi/DP | 2006 Yamaha FJR1300

I don't have specifics, but I've had the impression that the oil bath hubs are used more on trailer loads that are lighter than yours. Regardless, personally I'd always be worried about those hub caps developing a leak going down the road and losing all the oil and not knowing it until it's too late.

Oil bath hubs have been in use on over-the-road trucks for years but I'd have to wonder whether the ones made for boat trailers are engineered to those standards.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Just asked the disc vs drum question to a trailer dealer yeasterday. He said that they have problems as well and finding parts is much harder. He said that he like the drums better than disc. Disc will get better with time but it is not ther yet.

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Scott Wood
1999 238 Vista
Trailer Boating on the Great Lakes

FWIW, I think that's ridiculous. There's nothing wrong with properly maintained drums, but there's nothing wrong with discs either. I've got discs and wouldn't trade for drums for anything.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic