Trailer Brake Upgrade

Dreamer · Once a C-Brat, always a C-Brat Dreamer- Sold 25 Feb. 2013

I now find that my pre-purchase research was lacking. We had planned on trailering Dreamer to Canada this Summer. I now find out that my surge brakes are not allowed there on a 10,000# boat and trailer.

I will probably do the upgrade to electric over hydraulic myself and had settled on a Hydra Star unit. A distributor called today and suggested the SensaBRAKE unit. It's air over hydraulic with an electric pump to create the air pressure.

Has any one used one of these? www.SensaBRAKE.com

Has anyone even heard of them? They're from Australia. I'll wait for some C-Brat input before rushing into anything. You guys always have wonderful insight into these matters.

SEA3PO · Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2007 10:02 pm Post subject:

I thought that what was legal in the state of license would pass Canadian inspection..... Yeow ! I have drum brakes on only one axle....I think they want brakes on all wheels in Canada....
I have drum brakes on that axle and I doubt they work. (really don't care)

Joel
SEA3PO

thataway · Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2007 10:44 pm Post subject:

From the British Columbia web site:'
"Brake Requirements
All trailers and towing dollies (car dollies) must have brakes on all wheels when their GVW (trailer/dolly and load) exceeds 1,400 kg (3,086 pounds). Every trailer with brakes must have a breakaway device hooked to the trailer brake system.
Surge brakes must be used when towing a vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of up to and including 2,800 kg (6,173 pounds).
From 2,800 kilograms and up the towed vehicle brakes must be able to be applied by the driver of the tow vehicle."

Earlier in the regulations it notes that US vehicles are subject to the Canadian and provendice laws. It also notes that no trailers greater than 8'6" are allowed (I didn't see any exception for "wide load permit" for US boats or RV's.

We tow a Honda Pilot (4500 lbs) behind our RV. It uses an air brake which is inertial operated. It has not failed in over 50,000 miles, so this seems reasonably reliable. But it is not as "controlable" as an electric brake. You can set the amount of breaking or just use the trailer brakes with electric over hyraulic. At times the air brakes are too much--and one setting does not always seem correct for all conditions. It is not ideal.
It seems to me that an air compressor might add another source of failure..which may not be as good as the electric/hyraulic accentuator--but this is speculation on my par.

So at least for BC the limit is not 10,000 lbs, it is 6,173 lbs. This would seem to include some of the other C Dories--perhaps the 25?--definately the TC 255 and the C ranger 25.

Regards,

Doryman · Posted: Thu Feb 01, 2007 1:52 am Post subject:

Seems to me a good place to start would be with EZ-Loader. Has anyone approached them about what they do for their Canadian customers?

I'm glad this issue was raised. I would not have wanted to find this out at the border!

Warren

Dora~Jean · Posted: Thu Feb 01, 2007 2:32 am Post subject:

That's significant! My boat and trailer weigh in at 7,450 lbs (considered lighter than most) with a full tank of gas, 1/2 tank of water, raft, dingy motor and a 'weekends' supply of food/clothes. When I pass through to Prince Rupert I will have quite a bit more in supplies. Even with a dry gas tank (-650 lbs) and no water (-50 lbs) it'll be practically impossible to slip under that 6,173 lb limit. Even if I offload everything that isn't fiberglassed in and put it in the back of my tow vehicle. Hmmm, not looking good -- and I like my surge brakes just the way they are...

flapbreaker · Posted: Thu Feb 01, 2007 11:22 am Post subject:

Ok, I'm just wondering if they really check out every trailer for their brake systems? I find it hard to believe that they are doing that but then again there is a terror watch Neutral

Ron on Meander · Posted: Thu Feb 01, 2007 11:53 am Post subject:

Brakes on both axles are definitely required up here. Swanny I really doubt that anyone will check the weight of your boat and trailer. Surge brakes are very popular up here on most trailers and I would bet a lot that are well over 6100lbs. EZ Loader trailers are widely sold here (I have one) and they come with brakes on both axles. Other than that, they are the same as what is old below the border.
Ron

SEA3PO · Posted: Thu Feb 01, 2007 2:21 pm Post subject:

Next question...now that I "HAVE" to add a set of brakes...I will convert to disk brakes.... probably use the kit sold by West Marine...and just replace the drum brakes I already have.... Has anyone tried the disk brake conversion sold by West Marine ??? any problems ?? (other than price)

Joel
SEA3PO

Sea Wolf · Posted: Thu Feb 01, 2007 11:30 pm Post subject:

Joel-

I've had good service and saved a lot of money by using parts from Champion Trailers in Lousiana.

Their prices are about 60% of West Marine, and they carry quite a few different common brands of parts, eg. Tie Down, Dico/Titan, Fulton,Brakerite, Hoppy, Stolz, etc.

I'm not overly abusive in my towing style, however, and I don't live on the road, either.

Some folks who punish their trailers beyond reason seem to think Kodiak brakes are the best and worth the 3X cost, though.

Joe.

Dora~Jean · Posted: Thu Feb 01, 2007 11:36 pm Post subject:

Thanks Ron, maybe it's one of those laws on the books that none of the checkers are really equipped to enforce. I can see a place for it though, especially during the colder months where ice/snow could be a serious problem if not capable of braking the trailer first perhaps.

I had a plan B. Put the following in the back of the Expedition: 1 of 2 80hp engines, both anchors/chain/rode, both batteries, porta potty, ice chest, table, chairs, food and anything else not permanently mounted, might make the weight limit -- could do this if told it does not pass -- right in their parking lot (engine could be a bit of a challenge). If they ask why I have such a large engine in the back of the Expedition, I would say it's my dink motor for my VLI (Very Large Inflatable)!

Plan C. If they refuse to let me pass, then I'll just turn left and go to the San Juans...

Steve (Swanny)

Ron on Meander · Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2007 11:28 am Post subject:

tmarks11 · Joined: 17 Oct 2006 Posts: 4

There are several manufacturers of electrohydraulic actuators. In the US, you can buy Dexter version for about $600-660, which is considerably little cheaper then the sensa product above. Just remember to buy the "optional" breakaway kit, which is a trailer mounted rechargeable battery to activate the brakes when required.

http://www.dexteraxle.com/electro_hydraulic_actuators

I believe the hydrastar (that you mentioned) made by Carlisle is probably the best solution, but have no experience with them.

http://www.carlisleinternetsales.com/

Just remember to buy the "optional" breakaway kit, which is a trailer mounted rechargeable battery to activate the brakes when required.

Both carlisle and dexter are large, well known leaders in their field, and appear to put out quality products. You might be better off going with them instead of an unknown startup company. If I ever have to replace a surge coupler on a trailer, I will definitely spend the extra $$$ to get a carlisle actuator.

Dreamer · Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2007 5:54 pm Post subject:

Tmarks,
Thanks for the input. I actually found a HydraStar actuator for $ 403 at www.electronicbrakesystems.com! He's the one who also sells, and pushes, the SensaBrake.

I thought it was on this site that someone commented on seeing someone get turned around at the border due to the wrong trailer brakes. Hope that was not the case.

tmarks11 · Joined: 17 Oct 2006 Posts: 4

That is a great price; $200 less then anyone else. Consider that a decent surge actuator costs $100, that is not that much of a premium to get the electrohydraulic actuator.

thataway · Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2007 10:01 pm Post subject:

Dreamer, That is a great price $562 for the controller, break away and 1600 PSI accentuator.
Thanks for finding that.

Bob Austin