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Old May 21st 10, 03:07 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
Westbender
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Posts: 154
Default Disk vs Drum on Trailer

On May 21, 7:48*am, "Larry Goddard" wrote:
I'll second Jim's response... Go electric.

A "Panic" button connected to the controller would be just the thing to
stop an inadvertant or unplanned trailer sway.

My $0.02.

Larry

"Morgans" wrote in message

:



"Tony" wrote


Youve already sent me your 10 commandments Paul. *But I think I'm
going to go with hydraulic so that I don't have to worry about
maintaining a battery for break away and so anyone can hook up and
pull the trailer.


Sounds like you were about already decided on the hydraulic, anyway.


I'll toss out one factor in favor of electric that nobody has mentioned yet.


If you have electric brakes, and a sway starts to develop, (seems to be a
common theme with glider trailers) or has already gotten well developed and
getting REALLY hairy, a slight tap or easy pressure on the brake controller
will straighten up that trailer RIGHT NOW ! ! ! *It is amazing if you have
never used electric brakes for that purpose.


That reason in itself is the _best_ reason in the world to go with electric.


Shoot, go for two axles, get reduced sway characteristics, and put electric
on one axle and hydraulic on the other.


The argument that the tow vehicle can only be your own does not hold water,
in my opinion. *In most cases the controller will work fine, and in some,
the new vehicle might have to adjust the bias, slightly. *Not a big problem
in most cases. *If you go electric, make sure you use a standard plug, and
have it wired according to standard, also. *Get an electronic controller
that is easily adjustable if you want to tow other people's trailers.


Re-think your decision, I think.
--
Jim in NC- Hide quoted text -


- Show quoted text -


No one even mentioned how hydraulic systems can be a bigger headache
when they start to give problems. Rebuilding master and wheel
cylinders, bleeding, leaks, etc. I've had my share of hydraulic brakes
on trailers. I'll take electric any day just for that reason alone.
Although the instant sway cancelling is another big advantage that
I've used on occasion.