Trailer pull rod that activates brakes advice

[matata]

We would like to replace the pull rod that connects the trailer coupling to the cables that activate the drum brakes on our SBS trailer, with a cable . Possibly stainless. There is so much lost motion and its prone to bending and hence applying the brakes. Anyone any advice or experience . Ta Nik

[diver 1]

I've fitted both threaded bar and cables on two or three trailers now.

I've settled for the M10 threaded bar option now. I use a single stainless steel eye bolt bolted into the the trailer chassis and this supports the thread bar.

Thread bar shouldn't bend as it should only be acting in tension.

I use zinc plated stuff from toolstation - they sell handy M10 joiner nuts too - make sure you use locknuts each side of each joiner nut

I spray the whole lot in Glaskelder Klar anti corrosion spray once installed.

[diver 1]

Should have said I've found stainless cables are very stretchy even in thick sizes and I've had a couple of galv cables snap when externally they still seemed to be good condition

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by matata

We would like to replace the pull rod that connects the trailer coupling to the cables that activate the drum brakes on our SBS trailer, with a cable . Possibly stainless. There is so much lost motion and its prone to bending and hence applying the brakes. Anyone any advice or experience . Ta Nik

If the rod is bending, something is wrong. Replacing it with a cable will only make it worse due to stretch. I have replaced galv rods with stainless ones in the past, but not with cables. It sounds like something is sticking or lack of support for the rod.

[willk]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

... or lack of support for the rod.

I'm liking that one. I had to add some support for the rod on my brakes - it was bouncing and dabbing the brakes on a little - enough to warm them.

[jambo]

I fitted return springs on mine to ensure they returned to off. I also rubbed away the thread as it was catching like a ratchet stopping the return.