Hydraulic Trailer problems

[Cariboo]

My 98 Prostar 205 that I just bought needs the hydraulic piston repaired on the trailer. The guy I bought the boat from said it started leaking fluid last year and he never got it serviced and now it doesn't work. It just makes a horrible banging noise everytime I start driving from a dead stop.

I will get this serviced if I have to, but I don't think I need a trailer with a hydraulic braking system. Is there anyway of bypassing the hydraulic braking system on this trailer? The hydraulic braking system would be a nice thing to have, however, I don't think it is necessary since I only live 30 minutes from the lake.

Thanks.

[east tx skier]

Welcome.

I ran without brakes for a year before I invested in a new master cylinder, new wheel cylinders, and new brake lines. I wouldn't go without them for a minute, now. A few days after I got everything fixed, I was almost in a horrible accident towing the boat. My tow vehicle at the time was old (no A.B.S.) and it locked up. I don't doubt that had I not had my brakes repaired, the driver of the other car (who was at fault) would have been a crimson stain on the road. In the end, I flipped her off and was chilling on the lake 10 minutes later (much shorter drive to the lake for me).

In conclusion, I'd rather have them and not need them than need them and not have them.

[zberger]

I wouldn't be pulling 4000+ lbs without trailer brakes, especially if its my $30k boat :)

[Thrall]

You wont hurt the trailer by pulling it that way, in the short term. Several years may wear on the pins and slots in the tongue.
Just replace the master cylinder, it's pretty easy, and they're only about $50.

[Cariboo]

Is replacement of the master cylinder something that needs to be done at the dealership or can I buy one and put it on myself?

[east tx skier]

You can order the part from, for example, Trailers by Dorsey. If you're not mechanically inclined, a good brake shop can do it (that's what I did).