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Any experience with Trailer Buddy Brakes or Magic Tilt
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Any experience with Trailer Buddy Brakes or Magic Tilt
I’m considering a new Magic Tilt trailer, but I’m not familiar with the brake manufacturer they use. The disc brakes are made by “Trailer Buddy” and there manual says the replacement parts (pads, pistons, dust boots) can be purchase at any automotive store by using Kia Sephia brake parts.
I’m just looking for information from anyone with experience using these brakes or Magic Tilt trailers.
Had a top of the line aluminum LoadRite with TieDown stainless brakes. After all five lugs sheared off both hubs (in separate incidents) in the first 6k miles, had it swapped out for a less expensive lower capacity Magic Tilt with the Trailer Buddy brakes by UFP. I liked the LED lighting and ride quality from the torsion axle and radial tires on the LoadRite better. Otherwise, I’ve found the Magic Tilt to be a better trailer. The frame doesn't flex as I walk around the boat and no wheels have fallen off.
The TieDown actuator that came standard on the LoadRite I had locked out the brake cylinder from compressing when I put the vehicle in reverse. However if I had just stopped suddenly or stopped going downhill and the actuator was already compressed, it was very difficult to backup the trailer. The solenoid kept the brake actuator from compressing any more but did not release the pressure already on the calipers. To back the LoadRite trailer into my driveway I had to get out of the vehicle, insert a wheel chock, get in the vehicle, pull forward to extend the actuator, get out of the vehicle, insert a lockout pin in the brake actuator, get in the vehicle, pull backward, get out of the vehicle, remove the wheel chock, get in the vehicle, and back into the driveway.
The UFP actuator that came standard on the MagicTilt I have bleeds the brake pressure in the system when you put the vehicle in reverse. To back the MagicTilt into my driveway I just put the truck in reverse and backup. I'm not sure how corrosion resistant these brakes are so I rinse them very thoroughly after every dip in saltwater. So far no problems at all with the brakes, but its only been a year.
Had one wire short to the frame near a tail light in the first year of ownership, but that happened in the first two months of LoadRite ownership too. Otherwise, the trailer has been great.
Just read this on another trailer manufacturers website that uses Tie Down (Tidewater). I'm sure it applies to most if not all manufacturers.
" d. If properly wired when you put the tow vehicle in reverse, the power that illuminates the tow vehicle’s backup lights also applies power to the solenoid. The valve will click as it is energized. This blocks additional fluid pressure in the braking system allowing you to back up. DO NOT BE HASTY – be sure trailer is level. Also be aware that in any surge system there is residual pressure on the brakes when backing up an incline. Reverse lock out does not release this pressure. Your actuator should be fully extended before backing up. If you had just come to a hard stop, pull ahead slightly to relieve pressure on your brakes before putting tow vehicle in reverse. Allow up to 5 seconds before backing up to minimize system pressure."
I have a Magictilt under my 23' proline express hardtop. Went "up" one size in majic's trailer hierarchy to get a 2 5K lb axles (6bolt-15in). Not even sure what disc brakes are on it. Went with steel springs. 2 yrs old and 2.5yrs old and approaching 9000mi. Tow Fl-Mi, seasonally. Minimal dunkings in salt (4/yr) and I rinse pretty good. Other than a LED side light out, perfect service. I am very happy. Oh, did upgrade to "posi-lube" hubs too. Pretty much built to my specs and not hugely costly. Did talk directly to them prior to ordering with my new boat.
I realize you like Tie Down based on your experiences with them and I dislike them based on mine. My experience is that I approach my driveway coming down a hill and back the trailer into my driveway which is back up that same hill. The Magic Tilt brake package I got makes this a non issue.
I've had my Magic-Tilt tandem axle trailer with the torsion suspension and the Trailer Buddy brakes for about 1-1/2 years. I suspect I have about 2500 miles on it and have had zero problems with the trailer or the brakes. It pulls great. I'm primarily freshwater but occasionally salt water. I spray down my calipers and the metal portion of the torsion axles with Corrosion X about twice a year.
Just read this on another trailer manufacturers website that uses Tie Down (Tidewater). I'm sure it applies to most if not all manufacturers.
" d. If properly wired when you put the tow vehicle in reverse, the power that illuminates the tow vehicle’s backup lights also applies power to the solenoid. The valve will click as it is energized. This blocks additional fluid pressure in the braking system allowing you to back up. DO NOT BE HASTY – be sure trailer is level. Also be aware that in any surge system there is residual pressure on the brakes when backing up an incline. Reverse lock out does not release this pressure. Your actuator should be fully extended before backing up. If you had just come to a hard stop, pull ahead slightly to relieve pressure on your brakes before putting tow vehicle in reverse. Allow up to 5 seconds before backing up to minimize system pressure."
Read my post on the different types of free backing solenoids on this thread:
Any experience with Trailer Buddy Brakes or Magic Tilt 
