Trailer brake upgrade question

mike-s wrote:

Turtle n Peeps wrote:
Drum has a lot of advantages over disk. Two of the biggest is they can apply more braking force and they last longer.

Uh, what? They definitely don't provide more stopping power. That's why cars went from all drum, to front disc back drum (most of the stopping is done by the front), to all disc. They last about the same, but pads are much easier to replace than shoes and they seat faster. The only advantage of drums is they're much cheaper and (usually) don't get wet when traveling.

I was under the impression that drums often have more braking power than disks of the same diameter. They have more friction surface area, and are self energizing. Plus the friction is applied further out in the assembly, giving them more leverage on the axle.

However, they don't get rid of heat as well and can fade more quickly. They require adjustment, are harder to service, etc, etc.

Nothing wrong with a well designed and maintained drum brake. The big trailers use 'em, and they stop a bit of weight now and then!

That said, I know nothing about disc trailer brakes. I'm sure like most factory installed stuff on campers, they are not the best. Just responding to this one point.