kydale
Louisville, KY
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I'm thinking about doing the switch myself. Seems pretty straight forward. Anyone out there done this themselves or looked at doing this and decided not to and why. Just repacked my bearings and adjusted my brakes, next year the brakes will need to be replaced so thought that would be good time to switch.
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georgelesley
Minnesota
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What type/year vehicle? Front or rear brakes? I would think not a good idea, braking systems are set up for the components used. The fluid is porportioned front/back accordingly. Different systems have different porportioning valves, etc. If you are talking about the rear ones, you will likely lose your emergency brake as well.
George & Lesley
1999 20' American Cruiser
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jauguston
Bellingham, WA
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We will assume you are talking about changing the brakes on your RV not your TV. What will you gain for the cost and worked involved? Do you have exceptional stopping requirements that the drum brakes will not satisfy? Could it be the drum brakes are not working correctly?
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vanman250
Indiana
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Seems like a big expense for what will be gained. Changing the drum to disc is the easy part. I would think the biggest pain and expense would be running the hydraulics lines and the unit to convert the electric signal from the tow vehicle to activate the hydraulics. If the drum brakes are working correctly I don't see what you will gain other then not needing to adjust the brakes but you still have to pack the bearings.
vanman250
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CurtNLA
Wicksburg, Alabama
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I have looked into doing this for sometime, but I would have to go with the 8 bolt pattern and not all of the suppliers support that configuration. Trailer Parts Depot states that all of Kodiac disk parts can be replaced with parts from any GM auto parts dept, however, their systems are expensive.
If I lived in mountainous (or even hilly) country, I would do the switch. I don't do that much traveling in that type of country, so if I went ahead with the switch, it would be mostly for the experience, satisfaction and depletion of the check book so that the kids would have to fend for themselves. 
This is a why which is quoted straight from Trailer Parts Depot.
Trailer Disc Brakes Vs Drum Brakes
What are the major advantages of Trailer Disc Brakes as compared to Trailer Drum Brakes?
1. Fewer moving parts. Compare the disc brake caliper with one moving part, to a drum brake, with between 9 and 12 moving parts.
2. Longer life due to fewer moving parts and more effective heat dissipation.
3. Friction pads are easily accessible for replacement or inspection.
4. Easy access to caliper for cleaning and maintenance.
5. Entire caliper can be removed for maintenance without removing rotor and hub. (Kodiak's caliper components can be replaced at any automotive parts store stocking GM replacement parts.)
6. Entire rotor can be removed for maintenance* without removing hub.
* Kodiak's vented rotors are furnished with ample distance between the friction pads to allow for normal wear. Should it become necessary, the rotors can be "turned" or "re-surfaced". The rotors must be replaced when worn to the minimum thickness stamped on the edge of the rotor.
PERFORMANCE:
1. Calipers are self-adjusting to eliminate unequal braking from one side to the other, resulting in smoother braking. Brake adjustment headaches are eliminated.
2. Braking performance is less likely to be affected by dirt, water, or rust contamination.
3. Much less sensitive to premature lock-up or wheel skid than corresponding uni-servo or duo-servo hydraulically operated drum brakes, or electrically operated drum brakes.
4. Fade resistant.
VALUE:
Disc brakes represent a better value to the consumer in that they have a lower owning cost over the expected life of the trailer.
Curt
Curt Sandy  Jake (cat) 
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kydale
Louisville, KY
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Curt
That is a pretty good argument for disc. And Kodiack is the one I have looked at. I hate adjusting brakes. I just adjusted mine after repacking the bearings and I have one running about 20 degrees hotter than the other three. Also I was wondering why they don't use sealed bearing like on auto's. Then wouldn't have to adjust brakes or repack bearings...
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hershey
Albuquerque,(fulltime) NM, USA
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Unless I was exceptionally confident in my mechanical ability, altering the brake system on a vehicle would be the last thing in the world I would attempt or put faith in. And confidence wouldn't be just adapt at changing the brake shoes when needed or even replacing an engine. I'm talking about a real professional mechanic.
You have just way too much to lose.
hershey - albuquerque, nm
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CurtNLA
Wicksburg, Alabama
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hershey wrote:Unless I was exceptionally confident in my mechanical ability, altering the brake system on a vehicle would be the last thing in the world I would attempt or put faith in. And confidence wouldn't be just adapt at changing the brake shoes when needed or even replacing an engine. I'm talking about a real professional mechanic.
You have just way too much to lose. I have been a wrench slinger since I was 9 years old (got our first tractor - 8N Ford). I am now 70 years old and have worked as a mechanic in many different garages and worked on peoples cars at my home for over 45 years. Since I retired in 2002, I only work on my equipment. I am exceptionally confident in my work especially when you talk about a real professional mechanic. I have seen some of their work lately and professionally, it leaves a lot to be desired.
I would like to say that for those people that tow to the lake every weekend (less than 100 miles away) and those that tow for the most part on flat land, probably shouldn't even consider changing over. They now sell campers with disk brakes or they can be purchased as an option.
I personally think that disk brakes is one of the best things to come down the pike since 57 Chevy's and vanilla ice cream.
Curt
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kydale
Louisville, KY
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We live in Kentucky and winter in Texas. No great need for disc brakes between the two. But,,,,,,last year we left for Texas in Sept and drove to St Louis then down to 40 and on to Needles, cut south on California 95 to 10 and back to Texas. We were on the road for 6 weeks. Planned trip with a Mountian Directory in hand. Don't want to have to do that any more. Next year going the northern route to Yellowstone, Tetons, Glaciar and on to Oregan and California then back to Texas for the winter. Exhaust brakes are on, Disc in the spring.....
I don't work on anyone else's stuff. But the brake changeover is 3rd grade stuff. And you don't have to wait very long to find out if they work. Results are almost immediate!!!!!!!
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'68Monaco440HP
Corpus Christi, Texas
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Seems like a big expense for what will be gained. . . If the drum brakes are working correctly I don't see what you will gain other then not needing to adjust the brakes but you still have to pack the bearings.
The reports of those who have make it otherwise. If one has ever had a 4-whl drum brake car this seems a no-brainer. Drums overheat quickly. Adjustments are continuous. Tires and hubs should still be pulled for inspections on a regular basis, of course. With the correct actuator and brake control (and a sway-eliminating hitch) things don't get better on TT's (except those with IS) for road performance and some extra confidence. Not cheap (as with the best hitches) but, it only takes once!
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