Changing to disc brakes

Me Again wrote:

sheff69 wrote:

recycler wrote:
i would see about upgrading your wiring and installing new drum system is lots cheaper and easier to maintain..

It might be, but it is nowhere near as efficient.
In over 30 years and numerous trailers, with reasonably heavy trailers, I've never been able to lock up drum brakes in a panic stop.
With my Kodiaks, I can. I'd rather flat spot tires than repair damaged truck front ends.
I've always maintained my own brakes, and I'd much rather work on greasing slide pins on disk brakes, than trying to adjust drum brakes.

Sheff

Sheff I believe if you research it, that max braking occurs at a point just before the tires lock up and skid. Once the skid starts breaking power goes down quite a bit. That is why modern cars and trucks have anti lock brakes, plus the handling issue.

I trailer with locked up brake is more likely to come around on you and flip on it's side.

So lock up is not GOOD!

Chris

Opinions change, the last I read, the latest research shows that looking at braking distance alone, lock up is better than not. Vehicles with anti lock brakes are not able to stop as fast as those who can lock the wheels. The disadvantage is, you don't have as much control of steering when you are locked up. Note this was on dry or damp roads.
Snow is another matter but with a trailer if I have to worry about snow, I'm in the wrong state.

However, with a large trailer behind me, my steering options are very limited anyway. I don't think I'm going to be swerving hard to miss someone, or taking to the shoulder or grass with my trailer behind me. That would be an invitation to wipe out.

However, I'll take my chances with locked wheels on the trailer. If I had a way, I'd disable the ABS on the truck too. ABS causes more problems than it solves.

Sheff