Dexter axel brake up grade

carringb wrote:
Considering the OP has had braking problems and has a Subaru, I suspect he has the CVT transmission. This means the car will limit the maximum downshift to protect CVT temps (traditional autos only limit downshifts to prevent over-revving). So... it may not provide as much engine braking as some other cars.

I definitely recommend finding a solution if you are having problems with them overheating now. There's lots of options for disc-brake conversions, and disc brakes are much better at rejecting heat during long downhill descents.

Understood..

However, even with say a disc brake upgrade there IS a "point of no returns" on how much extra braking can be provided before tire lock up on the trailer becomes a greater problem..

You CAN over improve the trailer braking only so much before you go over the fine line of relying to much on the trailer..

No matter how much you improve the brakes on the trailer you need to also not act like you are driving a sports car.. That means slowing way down, anticipating hill grades well before you get to critical point of no return and realizing that some vehicles just may not be all that good of a choice for towing..

Just sayin..

I towed many years with a car and utility trailer combo without brakes on the trailer (3K GVWR, brakes not required) and never once smoked brakes on the vehicle.. And I had some pretty heavy loads on that trailer.

If the OP is having a difficult time smoking brakes on not only the tow vehicle but the trailer also it means that the OP is going to fast for conditions and or equipment, overloaded or not using ALL the "tools" available properly or perhaps ALL of the above..