Trailer Disc Brake Conversion

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by fragicide, Mar 24, 2023.

  1. fragicide

    fragicide Bobtail Member

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    Anyone ever converted drum brakes to disc brakes on a trailer? I got a 2022 Doonan Platinum 53’ stepdeck with 17.5 wheels that I’ve been wanting to convert to disc brakes. I’ve only had this thing a year and already had so much dirt and debris get inside the drums and tear apart the shoes. Plus, I already have disc brakes on the tractor and they are amazing in every way.

    Anyways, hoping someone has done this and could give me a price range. No need to include labor, I can do that myself. Just wondering what all I’d need and how much it’s gonna cost. Thanks!
     
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  3. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    No dust shields? Never had issues with drum brakes on log trucks and lowbeds in the bush.
     
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  4. fragicide

    fragicide Bobtail Member

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    I never had problems like this until this trailer. The wheels sit so low (17.5’s) that it seems like they just collect every #### thing from the road and mud and dirt and rocks etc. Already replaced two sets of shoes and all 4 slack adjusters.
     
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  5. wichris

    wichris Road Train Member

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    Axle ends are different. Would have to cut off the drum mounts and weld on caliper mounts.
     
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  6. haycarter

    haycarter Road Train Member

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    Easiest way would be 2 new Axles. I would think..!!
     
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  7. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Did you talk to Doonan to see what they can do to refit axles on the trailer or at least tell you what parts need to be changed?
     
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  8. wichris

    wichris Road Train Member

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    Around $1800 each wheel end. Still have to have someone like axle doctor cut off and weld the caliper mounts.
     
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  9. jamespmack

    jamespmack Road Train Member

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    As mentioned. All will matter if you have welded or bolt on spiders.

    Probably best to purchase complete axles.

    What I do not know, do they have a disc set up for 17.5 rims? Maybe someone can teach us all.
     
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  10. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    They do for 17.5. The manufacturer has all the info.
     
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  11. jamespmack

    jamespmack Road Train Member

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    I

    I haven't seen any, and to be honest haven't looked.

    Thanks.
     
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