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The first thing that I did was remove the old hitch and shorten the tongue.  The new disc brake actuator was 6 inches longer than the original hitch and I thought the tongue was already too long.
The first thing that I did was remove the old hitch and shorten the tongue. The new disc brake actuator was 6 inches longer than the original hitch and I thought the tongue was already too long.
Viewed: 707 times.

New disc brake actuator.  I had to drill new holes because the tongue was shortened.  The wiring is still 4-prong and the reverse lockout solenoid wire has no place to connect until I replace the socket with a 7-pin.
New disc brake actuator. I had to drill new holes because the tongue was shortened. The wiring is still 4-prong and the reverse lockout solenoid wire has no place to connect until I replace the socket with a 7-pin.
Viewed: 579 times.

The new axle and brakes.  Brakes came three days after ordering.  Axle took 2 months.  This is a 3.5K# axle, the smallest that comes with brake flanges.  I didn't need 3.5K# for a CD 16, but I did need the brake flanges.  Turns out that getting a new axle is the simplest way.
The new axle and brakes. Brakes came three days after ordering. Axle took 2 months. This is a 3.5K# axle, the smallest that comes with brake flanges. I didn't need 3.5K# for a CD 16, but I did need the brake flanges. Turns out that getting a new axle is the simplest way.
Viewed: 593 times.

Axle and brakes are the same manufacturer.  Simple, perfect fit.
Axle and brakes are the same manufacturer. Simple, perfect fit.
Viewed: 683 times.

New axle has a zerk fitting for easy greasing.
New axle has a zerk fitting for easy greasing.
Viewed: 625 times.

Complete axle ready to attach.  Total unsprung axle weight is 138# (with wheels and tires).
Complete axle ready to attach. Total unsprung axle weight is 138# (with wheels and tires).
Viewed: 674 times.

This is the
This is the "what have I done?" point. Springs are dropped and the old axle (for V hull) removed. The new straight axle works with a C Dory. The axle had to be drilled to fit the bolts that hold the leaf springs together. Otherwise, it is a straight bolt-on job.
Viewed: 641 times.

The brakes fit just fine on the 13
The brakes fit just fine on the 13" wheels and the original fenders have plenty of clearance.
Viewed: 668 times.

Very tight fit.  I had to bend some little stainless clips because they were interfering with the wheels.  I learned after reassembling that rusty leaf springs make for a rough ride because of
Very tight fit. I had to bend some little stainless clips because they were interfering with the wheels. I learned after reassembling that rusty leaf springs make for a rough ride because of "stiction." Pulling them off (using an air wrench), sandblasting, and painting isn't too complicated and I may do that.
Viewed: 694 times.

Here is the fender back on.  You can see that I moved the axle forward about 6 inches because the batteries and gas tank have been moved forward in the boat.  Prior tongue weight was 310#.  New tongue weight is 228#.  Estimated trailer weight is 1,900#, so the tongue weight is 12%.  I won't know until I get to a scale.
Here is the fender back on. You can see that I moved the axle forward about 6 inches because the batteries and gas tank have been moved forward in the boat. Prior tongue weight was 310#. New tongue weight is 228#. Estimated trailer weight is 1,900#, so the tongue weight is 12%. I won't know until I get to a scale.
Viewed: 677 times.

This is the spot where I thought I needed to move the second U-bolt in order for the tongue weight would be 230#.  I stopped an inch short of my guesstimate for a tongue weight of 228#.  Just lucky (assuming I'm right on my total weight estimate). UPDATE: Trailer axle weight is 2200# with full gas, water, etc.
This is the spot where I thought I needed to move the second U-bolt in order for the tongue weight would be 230#. I stopped an inch short of my guesstimate for a tongue weight of 228#. Just lucky (assuming I'm right on my total weight estimate). UPDATE: Trailer axle weight is 2200# with full gas, water, etc.
Viewed: 628 times.

Here is the basic cost of adding stainless disc brakes to a little trailer.  Not cheap, but the initial trial was really, really impressive.
Here is the basic cost of adding stainless disc brakes to a little trailer. Not cheap, but the initial trial was really, really impressive.
Viewed: 709 times.

I now have more than 2K miles on the trailer, some on steep gravel roads, and I have never felt the trailer push on me when stopping.  I can hardly even tell that it's there.  Except the bouncing on roads like this.
I now have more than 2K miles on the trailer, some on steep gravel roads, and I have never felt the trailer push on me when stopping. I can hardly even tell that it's there. Except the bouncing on roads like this.
Viewed: 663 times.

Then I added these.  They are little nitrogen gas filled shocks, I think the littlest ones made by Monroe.  The stroke is only 4 inches.
Then I added these. They are little nitrogen gas filled shocks, I think the littlest ones made by Monroe. The stroke is only 4 inches.
Viewed: 588 times.

Top mount fabricated from angle iron.
Top mount fabricated from angle iron.
Viewed: 596 times.

Bottom mount fabricated from rectangle tube.
Bottom mount fabricated from rectangle tube.
Viewed: 612 times.

My
My "new" 13" tire next to my new 15" tire. The 13" tire has about 2,500 miles on it and the left hand outer tread has worn below the siping (and I just rotated them for that reason). Looking at the top profile, both shoulders are wearing faster than the center despite maximum pressure (50 psi).
Viewed: 589 times.

Here is a close-up of the uneven wear on the 13 inch special
Here is a close-up of the uneven wear on the 13 inch special "trailer tire" with about 2,500 miles on it. My new all season High Load tires have over 6,000 miles and show no wear.
Viewed: 562 times.

The new 15
The new 15" tires had to be really skinny to fit the original fenders. These aluminum "gasser" wheels fit the bill and are rough cast so the look fine after saltwater dunks. I lock them to the springs if the trailer is left in an unsecured area.
Viewed: 477 times.

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