Can Electric Brakes be Used on a Boat Trailer
Updated 07/20/2021 | Published 07/17/2009
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Question:
Can these electric brakes be used on a boat trailer. I was wondering if the water fresh water only would be a problem. Thank you.
asked by: Fred M
Expert Reply:
Traditionally, trailer manufacturers did not use electric brakes on boat trailers because the brake magnet wiring and trailer wiring did not always have the best insulation or water protection.
These days, more and more manufacturers are using electric brakes on boat trailers due to improvements in wiring insulation and heat shrink connectors. If you are going to use electric brakes, I strongly recommend using heat shrink butt connectors, like part # DW05745-10, when splicing the wires together.
I have attached links to all of our electric brake assemblies. The easiest way to choose the correct brake assemblies for your trailer is to find the weight capacity of your axle. If you can tell me the weight capacity of your axle, I would be happy to find a set of brakes that will work for you. I have also attached a shoppers guide on how to add electric brakes to a trailer.
You may also need new hubs/drums. If you previously had hydraulic brakes, then not all hydraulic brake drums are compatible with electric brakes. The axle capacity will again determine which drum will work for you. If you cannot find the axle capacity, please send me the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of your trailer and the inner diameter of the existing drums (10in or 12in).
If your trailer does not have a 7-way trailer connector, then I recommend picking up our 7-way upgrade kit, # HS381-9000, and an appropriate length of duplex wire, # 12-2-1, for the brakes.
Jamie C.
6/9/2020
I have a 2005 EZ loader single axel says GVWR 3740lbs/ Capacity 3100lbs w/ surge brakes, want to go elec but quite concerned about salt water, don't see any galvanized units. Any help ? Thank you in advance
Chris R.
6/12/2020
Chris R.
6/16/2020
Jeff H.
6/27/2020
I want to convert my boat trailer surge breaks to electric breaks. Trailer is typically only subjected to submergence during the spring when launching the boat and in the fall when pulling boat for winter storage. I don't have the axle weight rating.The drum inner diameter is 10 inches. The axle diameter at widest spot is 1.75 inches. The GVWR is 6,000 lbs and trailer weight is 600 lbs. My 2012 F150 has break controller and a round 7 pin and flat 4 pin harness connectors. Please advise what equipment I would need for this conversion and your opinion of whether the magnets will last given the minimal amount they will be subjected to water. Thank you. I wrote a previous email explaining I want to change my boat trailer brakes from surge brakes to electric brakes. In addition to the information I provided, the inner bearing diameter is 1.75 inches, the outer bearing diameter is 1 inch. The numbers on the inner bearing grease seal are 1.719 , 2.561, and 0.500. The drum has 5 lug nut studs. I hope that and the previous information is enough to advise me what I would need to change to electric brakes.
Chris R.
7/1/2020
Helpful Links
Jeff D.
8/10/2020
I currently have a tuff boat trailer and need replacement brakes for it are you able to help me out? they are electric brakes and i believe are 7000lb axles
Jon G.
8/20/2020
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 10" - Left Hand - 3,500 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- LH
- 3500 lbs
- Brake Assembly
- Manual Adjust
- 10 x 2-1/4 Inch Drum
- etrailer
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Ts
4/3/2020
I am buying a used pontoon a 2015 bass buggy 18 dlx. Although it is not heavy enough to require brakes I would like to add them if the cost is reasonable. I have had poor luck with hyd brakes on boat trailers in the past and was wondering if electric would be better? What are you thoughts? Electric or Hyd?