35 degree down angle worth $800.00?

[SilverHoot]

Well that is not the whole story, but I can get 3000# axles that are powder coated not painted, 10" drums rated to 3700 lb, 21.5 degree down angle and shock brackets already welded. What I can't get, unless I want to spend about $800.00 more, is 12" drums or a 35 degree down angle. Hmmmm.

[Goin camping]

It would be worth it to me. I'd be willing to give up some highway handling and air slipperynes for offroad ground clearance.

Then again our A/S has gone down more dirt roads and crossed more desserts than most.

[overlander64]

The combination of more clearance and larger brakes would make the choice easy for me -- added clearance would have saved me over $700 in black tank replacement -- more effective braking is always desirable if you ever tow with a Vintage car as I frequently do (the Dodge with its 4-wheel drum brakes cries out for as much help as is possible from the trailer).

Good luck with your investigation!

Kevin

[SilverHoot]

Originally Posted by overlander64

The combination of more clearance and larger brakes would make the choice easy for me -- added clearance would have saved me over $700 in black tank replacement -- more effective braking is always desirable if you ever tow with a Vintage car as I frequently do (the Dodge with its 4-wheel drum brakes cries out for as much help as is possible from the trailer).

Good luck with your investigation!

Kevin

Well guess I will continue to ponder. The 10" brakes are rated at 3700# and are 2.5 inches wide instead of 2" wide on the 12". Or a new thought is that for $800 I could most probably go to disc brakes.

[FreshAir]

My new 3000# tandems have 12" brakes. The extra height and clearly smoother tow are worth the $750 each price tag is worth it. The Trade Wind and classic Buick TV are thanking me.
Neil.

[Mikethefixit]

My New Axles last yr, are 3500 lbs 35 degree down 12" brakes complete for $750 each. I gain 4 inches in ground clearance with meant it raised the rear 4 inches which resulted in a tongue height that matches my 1 ton TV.
They fit perfectly and I installed them in under 3 hrs with no hole drilling or elongating and the shock mounts were welded on at the factory.
Worked for me.

[SilverHoot]

From what I have learned, on my trailer no matter which brand I decide on there will be drilling and depending on brand, welding needed for the shock mounts. If this were not the case, the decision on brand would be much easier. Oh and $$

[Lumatic]

10" brakes work fine on my 71 Tradewind. With Dexter axles the shock mounts were factory mounted.

[overlander63]

The bearings are significantly larger with 12" brakes. Also, the larger drum can dissipate heat better than the smaller drum. More surface area equals more area being cooled.

[3Ms75Argosy]

If you like the jacked up look (and really need it), then go for it.. or just order the high profile mount from Dexter and get the same thing....

I personally like my trailers a little lower looking...
Marc

[SilverHoot]

Lot of good points brought up here, had forgotten about the bearing size. Be great to see the the same model trailer with 21.5 angle and at 35 angle to just exactly how 'jacked up' it looks.

[SilverHoot]

Went with Dexter and 22.5 degree down. When at the dealer a call was made to Dexter by the salesman and he was told that the only down angles available were 22.5 and 45. Got home too late but will call Dexter on Monday to verify.

[SilverHoot]

Called Dexter today and found that they are indeed available on #10 Dexters. My order is already placed for 22.5, trying to decide if I should try and change it to 32 down.

[Diesel1]

I stayed with the 12 inch brakes. I intend to tow with a old drum brake truck so the larger brakes and bearings are a plus for me. I ordered mine from Andy at Inland, I recieved them the next day. Thats what I call customer service! Adios, John