Trailer brake questions

[drgibson]

Does anyone know what brake fluid is used in the Dorsey trailers for the hydrolic brakes. My docs say always use Dot 3 or Dot 4 and do not mix them, but I don't know what is in it to start with.

I got into this brake stuff as yesterday I felt like the trailer brakes weren't helping much. I have figured out a way to compress the surge brake assembly and now realize only the right tire is getting any braking, the left one just barely changes from free to a slight drag. Any advice on where to start to diagnose and fix this?
David

[Domsz06]

i'd call doresey. Anytime I have had questions they have been very friendly.

Dom

[drgibson]

I agree. I called up there once and talked to Dorsey himself. He's a cranky old dude. "Yeah, this is Dorsey, whattayawan?" You knew you had a hold of the real thing.

[GIZMO]

I've always used DOT 3 fluid, and don't see the harm in mixing them. The thing with brake fluid is it will attract moisture. So use a new bottle and keep the lid on it. It sounds like you need to bleed the brakes. If they are disk brakes you may need pads. If they are Drum brakes the shoes last forever.

GIZMO

[drgibson]

According to Dorsey himself, the brake cylinder is probably froozen up since the brake on one side works and the other side doesn't. I see there is a conversion kit available to convert the drum brakes to disc. Sounds like a good winter project to me.
David