CONVERTING DRUM TO DISC BRAKES ON 2006 H180 TRAILER

Giffo · **Posted:** Wed Apr 09, 2014 3:40 am

Hi all. My 2006 FW H180 trailer has drum brakes. One side has started to rust something bad. The protective paint has come off some time ago.

Are they supposed to rust so quick?

I am thinking of converting to disc brakes (if they can be on these systems)

Has anyone done this?

Can it be done with this type of system?

Thanks, any comments appreciated.

OR new trailer!!!

LouC · **Posted:** Wed Apr 09, 2014 6:17 am

What part is rusted? the drums or the backing plates? You can buy zinc galvanized drums from Pacific Trailers that will hold up much better than the standard painted cast iron drums. Or if its the backing plate replace the whole thing with a galvanized marine free backing unit. I have drums on my trailer with the zinc plated drums and they have held up well. Changing to discs can be done but may be a bit more expensive. You need to either change or modify the actuator (remove the check valve needed for drum brakes) and you have to add a back up solenoid, and wiring to trigger it when you shift to reverse. Disc brake rotors rust too unless you get the more expensive stainless ones.

Giffo · **Posted:** Wed Apr 09, 2014 7:31 am

LouC wrote:

What part is rusted? the drums or the backing plates? You can buy zinc galvanized drums from Pacific Trailers that will hold up much better than the standard painted cast iron drums. Or if its the backing plate replace the whole thing with a galvanized marine free backing unit. I have drums on my trailer with the zinc plated drums and they have held up well. Changing to discs can be done but may be a bit more expensive. You need to either change or modify the actuator (remove the check valve needed for drum brakes) and you have to add a back up solenoid, and wiring to trigger it when you shift to reverse. Disc brake rotors rust too unless you get the more expensive stainless ones.

Thanks for the reply. What I can see its the brake shoes and mechanism. The backing plate and drum are quite good. Surface rust mainly. I had to free up the mechanism to get it to work. Its hard to wash the brakes of salt after use.
The drum and backing plate were coated when new with a rubber or similar coating. That's peeled off.
I am hoping I can get replacement zinc coated/galvanised parts in Australia.????? Some work to do I must say

I can post pics but not sure how!!

Cheers

ric · **Posted:** Wed Apr 09, 2014 7:41 am

You don't even need brakes with an H180

Giffo · **Posted:** Wed Apr 09, 2014 7:59 am

ric wrote:

You don't even need brakes with an H180

Unfortunately in Australia we do. I use a Subaru Outback with 180 Kilowatt 6 cylinder Boxter engine. Tows well but trailer brakes help.
be nice not to need brakes

How do you put pictures in a thread?

EvilZ · **Posted:** Wed Apr 09, 2014 10:00 am

You upload your pics to a photo hosting site (like Photobucket, or many others). Then you post a link to that pic.

Here is one of a couple of threads on this under "forum issues":
http://www.smwebhead.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1877

LouC · **Posted:** Wed Apr 09, 2014 11:13 am

Since you have an American trailer the easiest thing to do is get new US spec complete backing plates. Aussie spec brakes are totally different. That boat probably weighs 3500 on the trailer OF course you need brakes. Ric not everywhere is flat like Fla.

Giffo · **Posted:** Wed Apr 09, 2014 7:06 pm

Thanks Lou. Will have to try and get a supplier in Oz for them. Bet they will cost an arm and a leg!!

LouC · **Posted:** Wed Apr 09, 2014 7:55 pm

They are really cheap here as in about $55 ea for the 10"
version and a bit more for the larger 12" ones.

Giffo · **Posted:** Wed Apr 09, 2014 8:33 pm

LouC wrote:

They are really cheap here as in about $55 ea for the 10"
version and a bit more for the larger 12" ones.

What does that price get you? drum, back plate etc?

Hoping they are available here in Oz at that price. Bet my left leg they are not!!

LouC · **Posted:** Wed Apr 09, 2014 11:25 pm

That is the backing plates with shoes wheel cylinder etc. Drum is more (60-70?).

www.pacifictrailers.com
www.championtrailers.com

And many others...

deafwish · **Posted:** Thu Apr 10, 2014 1:51 am

I looked in to converting my H180 FW trailer & ended up selling it & buying a Dunbier.
I did research hat was required & here is the link to an Aussie supplier:

http://www.huntsmanproducts.com.au/trai ... parts.html

You may need a new drop axle, but this too can be bought for relatively cheap.
Drum brakes should never be used on a trailer that swims in salt water!!!

rpengr · **Posted:** Thu Apr 10, 2014 7:44 am

I converted my 2000 FW trailer from Drum to Disk. It was fairly easy Do-it-yourself project. Drum backing plate unbolts with 4 bolts, and the Caliper mounting brackets attaches to the same 4 holes. Replaced Hubs with new Hubs including Disk Rotor.

Note: I also replaced the surge brake master cylinder. The Drum vs Disk master cylinder has a different plunger and/or orifice size.

I get my parts from http://www.expediter.com I did not use SST rotors and calipers, but next time I will. The expediter has SST for about $400 per axle.

Ray

Giffo · **Posted:** Sun Apr 27, 2014 6:32 pm

I ended up getting the whole brake system removed and disc brakes installed with wire system. $1500 and good as gold.
A new trailer would of cost me $2500-$3000.

Im happy and back on the water (even if the winter is arriving soon)

Happy Boating all

deafwish · **Posted:** Mon Apr 28, 2014 3:52 am

I'd love to the some photos of the conversion!

www.iFourWinns.com

CONVERTING DRUM TO DISC BRAKES ON 2006 H180 TRAILER

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