Brake on a trailer
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 274
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From: Shrewsbury, PA
Brake on a trailer
Ok i am building a pull behind trailer in which I am using wheels that I bought at a swap meet for 125.00 each. I then made an axle for the trailer frame. After reading some posts about pull behind trailers everyone talks about the stopping distances increasing with the additional weight.
My question is this if I install rotors on the wheels and the proper calipers, could I go to the rear wheel of the bike and place a ''Y" or some sort of a splitter then attach brake line to the back of the bike. From there have the brake lines
from the trailer wheels come forward to the hitch area and connect to the bike. I am sure that I have enough clearance between the wheel and the fender as well as the frame.
My question is this if I install rotors on the wheels and the proper calipers, could I go to the rear wheel of the bike and place a ''Y" or some sort of a splitter then attach brake line to the back of the bike. From there have the brake lines
from the trailer wheels come forward to the hitch area and connect to the bike. I am sure that I have enough clearance between the wheel and the fender as well as the frame.
Last edited by honkerdown; May 11, 2010 at 02:12 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,241
Likes: 7
From: Daytona, Fla.
Where are you going to get the extra volume of brake fluid that the long line & brake calipers will require, & what kind of master cylinder are you going to use to control it?
Do you plan to leave the trailer permanently hitched to the bike, or are you going to bleed the brake lines every time you attach the trailer?
Do you plan to leave the trailer permanently hitched to the bike, or are you going to bleed the brake lines every time you attach the trailer?
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: Milton PA
If I were doing it...I would rig up some kind of master cylinder within the hitch (trailer side) itself...when you hit the brakes on the motorcycle, the hitch would compress the master cylinder and apply the brakes...use some adjustable leverage mount to adjust the rear brakes...completely self contained on the trailer...thats what I would do...
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Go to a trailer sales shop and buy a master cylinder for the trailer,it mounts on the tongue and is contained to the trailer.Its called a surge brake master cylinder. That way you wont have to connnect and bleed brakes every time you want to use your trailer.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 540
Likes: 36
From: Tulsa Ok
I think tying into the bike brakes is a bad idea. I have pulled a few boat trailers with surge breaks, they seamed to work very well. They have a master cylinder in the tongue of the trailer and it is operated by the tow vehicle slowing down and applying the brakes.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 274
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From: Shrewsbury, PA
Thanks for the input never thought of surge brake I am aware of them for I had them on a boat trailer. Think that will be the way to go, like stated wont have to bleed the lines and such.
Again thanks for the idea. Don
Again thanks for the idea. Don
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 522
Likes: 27
From: Glendale, Arizona
I really like the looks of your project, but my concern would be that it will be top heavy. I know you have already completed the frame but could you put turn-ups on the axle to lower it some. Just my 2 cents.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,349
Likes: 142
From: Sioux Center, Iowa
Just me, but I wouldn't see the need for brakes as much as to how it handles. Like it been said, it looks top heavy. Stopping has never been a real problem for me but on a windy day you know the trailer's there.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 414
From: Ellensburg, WA
Why not use simple electric brakes? You can adjust them to assist but set light enough not to cause handling issues. Usually drum type, but are relatively inexpensive.
I guess now that I looked closer at your pics, there is not enough room on the axel you have to install a drum or disc. So forgive my post.
I guess now that I looked closer at your pics, there is not enough room on the axel you have to install a drum or disc. So forgive my post.
Last edited by 1plumr1; May 11, 2010 at 09:05 AM.