DISC BRAKE TRAILER RETROFIT ??

Can anyone comment on what would be needed to convert both axles to disc brakes?
Would it be easier to just switch out the whole axle or just brakes?
It costs a lot to do on the tractor, so I am considering just the trailer.
Thanks

 

Good info, thanks

 

You're probably right. I really think having at least some disc brakes on my rig is worth a certain amount to me. I didn't know it was only $2500 to add them to a new trailer. That would be reason enough for me to buy a new one right there. I was on the fence about used or new this time. On Youtube there is a live demonstration of side by side trucks with all possible brake configurations panic stopping. Once I saw that, it was clear that having any discs make a sizable difference in panic stops. Just having discs on the steer axle actually made a truck stop much shorter, and those are the smallest of the brakes on a tractor-trailer. Even the new wide drums cannot compare to discs on this test.

 

I don't know the cost, but it is high to convert a tractor.
One big advantage is that scale inspectors don't have much to find wrong and just about skip past them when inspecting. No free-play, cracked drums, or uneven wear. Most of the time wasted on inspections is helping the officer do a free-play assessment on all air chambers. With discs there is no free play to look at.
For me its about safety too. I need to be able to keep from running over all the 4 wheelers who pull in front of us and then hit their brakes. Its a great feeling when you need discs in a panic.

 

That was my understanding too until I saw the live tests done on youtube. A tractor-trailer with all discs stopped something like 112 ft shorter than one with standard drums from 60 MPH. I don't believe the test results I read in the magazines after seeing it with my own eyes.