Question

The Boat Trailering Guys

I have a galvanized trailer and I'm going to replace my brake lines (I launch only in salt water). Friends say I should use plastic brake lines but I'm worried about the possibility of plastic holding up. Others say use stainless steel brake lines. What would you use?

L. Childers, Montauk NY

Answered on: 6/2005

GEORGE: You are absolutely right. Don't even think about plastic brake lines. The hot environment of the summer, even in Montauk, will crack them. I've switched from a polymer covered stainless steel brake lines to rubber DOT approved brake lines with brass fittings. I buy them from Hose and Accessories in Lakeland, Florida (863-665-3838-ask for Jeff or Bill). MIKE: The plastic flexible tubing is used between the formed steel, or stainless steel, tubing that is attached to the frame of the trailer to allow for wheel movement while trailering. I would not run entire lengths of flexible tubing to replace the rigid tubing for concerns that you mention. You can use coated steel tubing or stainless steel (ss) tubing. You mention that you are strictly in salt water. You may want to go with the ss tubing for maximum corrossion resistance. Expect to pay over double the price of conventional steel tubing. Given the use and the environment, it will be money well spent. In regard to the flexible tubing, I have seen more usage of the stainless steel braided lines.

The Boat Trailering Guys: Mike and George