ez loader trailer

[Dodgy Diver]

the sunseeket I juts purchased has a ez loader trailer with it , it looks a nice built unit ,but it has no brakes , after further inspection it seems there is a master cylinder with in the hitch and im assuming when cylinders in the 4 brake drums , how ever as with most things in life its been messed about with , there are no brake pipes anywhere , so looks like they broke so someone thought it was best to take the pipes off .
other than the states is there anywhere in the uk to get parts , I assume ill need a set of seals for the master cylinder and prob 4 wheel cylinders , thanks in advance
darren

 

[Mr Googler]

What model sunseeker is it?

 

[Dodgy Diver]

its a older weekender

 

[simonfraser]

Possibly been used as a yard launch trailer
the salt water corrodes the shoes, the whole lot locks up
just take it all out and off

 

[Caraway]

From the CMBA forum

Sadly hydraulic brakes are illegal on this type of trailer, confirmed by the National Trailer and Towing Association who said in response to me request for confirmation:

Hi Martin,
I’m afraid that you are indeed correct – hydraulic brakes on this category of trailer are indeed illegal for UK road use.
To make a US spec trailer UK road-legal, you will have to change the brakes and coupling to work on the overrun type system. Any trailer over 750kg gross vehicle weight must be braked by law.
Usually the most cost effective way is to change the axle(s) complete and install a braked coupling to suit the setup.

 

[Dodgy Diver]

The issue is that it would be to heavy un-braked. About 2.5 tonne I reckon.

 

[madabouttheboat]

Sounds like a US spec trailer and would be illegal even if all working properly. Without brakes, you can only tow up to 750kg inc trailer (assuming towing vehicle allows it, of course).

 

[Dodgy Diver]

so how do I get round this . I cant afford to replace the trailer , my vehicle can tow 3.5 tonne happily but it needs to have working brakes of some sort . thank s

 

[Dodgy Diver]

why would the uk not allow this braking method . seems a great system if fully working . to be honest I cant see anyone actually noticing that its a hydraulic system . it took me a little while to notice it
maybe just get it all working again and see how it feels and go from there

 

[GrahamHR]

why would the uk not allow this braking method . seems a great system if fully working . to be honest I cant see anyone actually noticing that its a hydraulic system . it took me a little while to notice it
maybe just get it all working again and see how it feels and go from there

I agree with you; hydrauling braking on trailer should be the required standard. UK towing regulations seem based on 1950's or even earlier caravan/ trailer regs when cable brakes were fitted to cars..

 

[halcyon]

The problem is 1973 we adopted EU regs and EU type approval, these brakes are not type approved, probably, as is the trailer.

Brian

 

[Caraway]

why would the uk not allow this braking method . seems a great system if fully working . to be honest I cant see anyone actually noticing that its a hydraulic system . it took me a little while to notice it
maybe just get it all working again and see how it feels and go from there

Using the hydraulic system could bite you if you ever have an accident. The insurance company will step back, but the plod won't.
The argument is that cable and rod brakes work. Hydraulic and electric brakes can stop working, without you realising. The answer is to buy the back plates and cables/rods from a UK trailer parts supplier. Everything is available. The down side is that all the wheels have to be braked. You can't just brake 2 wheels on a 4 wheel trailer.


There are loads of forums dealing with the problem. Ask the question of Google, but make sure you only read forums from the UK.

 

[Dodgy Diver]

so I have decided the only way safely forward is to change everything

we have a brand new hitch with over run correctly rated , I have 4 new 200kg insispension units coming , also some wheels and new tyres , brake cables and studding for the brake rods

 

[stelican]

so I have decided the only way safely forward is to change everything

we have a brand new hitch with over run correctly rated , I have 4 new 200kg insispension units coming , also some wheels and new tyres , brake cables and studding for the brake rods

The other problem is the width limit for trailers and most US trailers are over width here.
Sorry I had not noticed this thread before,You will have to checkout the laws as I do not know them in detail.
Just checked UK gov website max trailer width towing 2.55m.

 

[Dodgy Diver]

2.4 max width . thanks

 

[halcyon]

The other problem is the width limit for trailers and most US trailers are over width here.
Sorry I had not noticed this thread before,You will have to checkout the laws as I do not know them in detail.
Just checked UK gov website max trailer width towing 2.55m.

There is, or was, also a 1 foot a side max overhang rule.

Brian

 

[Dodgy Diver]

Well I’m not sure about that. But there is nothing I could do to change it if there was.

 

[Bigplumbs]

When you ask about trailers on any forum you will find out that it is most confusing and also many people will throw up a lot of scare mongering. The fact is that most uk boat trailers that have been in salt water have knackered brakes that can easily overheat when the overrun works and the brakes jam on. This intern fry's the grease in your bearings and you end up with what you see below or worse the wheel falls off the trailer. Join the AA Relay I say they cover your trailer and they will get you home. On any long journey you need to refurbish or replace the brakes

This is what happend to me

But this was a great help. Incredible service. Brought me all the way back from Devon to Suffolk

 

[halcyon]

Well I’m not sure about that. But there is nothing I could do to change it if there was.

If this was the overhang, the Police may not except it as an excuse.

I find interesting that bacl in the 60/70's I designed trailer undergear, back then we supplied most of the UK boat trailers. We used to make special water protected axles, sealed suspension, twin oil seals ( water in / grease out ) and sealed hub caps. As long asyou washed out the brakes with fresh water, you had little trouble, isn't progress a wonderfull thing.

Brian