Can I Add Electric Brakes To A Boat Trailer And Other Electric Brake Questions

Updated 12/15/2025 | Published 11/11/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Electric Trailer Brakes - Parking Brake Ready - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K

(1597)

$275.23

Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3.5K Axles - 10" - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased

(1789)

$105.44

Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - L44649

(2115)

$21.52

Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - L68149

(2115)

$17.06

Dexter Parking Brake Kit with Breakaway for Hydraulic Drum Brakes

(8)

$384.54

Question:

Hi, I have just bought a used twin axle boat trailer. Boat weight is 4,000lb and trailer weight approx 2,000lb I am looking to install brakes to one of the axles and wanted to understand if 1. Electric brakes are designed to submerse in water when launching without impact. Appreciate freshwater cleaning is necessary. 2. The magnet in the hub is activated through the 7 pin trailer connector powered by activating the brake pedal or if anything else is required for break hub activation. 3. Emergency brake options for electronic breaks. Essentially, looking for advise on equipment options, best design, and material lists for purchase and pricing. Thank you.

asked by: Nigel

Expert Reply:

Hello Nigel, thanks for reaching out. To answer your first question, obviously electricity and water don't mix. Electric brakes can be used on a boat trailer but they are not ideal. You have to unplug the trailer from the truck before you submerge. Water can get inside the drum which speeds up rust and corrosion. I know a lot of people that do use electric brakes for boat trailers but they mostly do this because electric brake parts are more affordable than disc brake parts. If you want the best brake system for a boat trailer go with disc. If you want to save money you can do electric drum brakes but know that you will likely be replacing parts more often.

For your second question, an electric trailer brake controller is a requirement for using electric trailer brakes. This will allow the trailer brakes to apply proportionally to the truck brakes. This way you get smooth braking. Without that you would be sending a full 12v to the brakes every time the pedal is pressed, and this would cause the brakes to lock up immediately every time you slow down. I recommend using a controller like the Tekonsha P3 # 90195.

For the third question, it is possible to add a parking brake to an electric brake setup. You will need to use parking brake enabled brake assemblies like part # K23-086-087-00 along with a parking brake lever kit # T2385200. This would be the only emergency brake option for an electric brake trailer.

As far as adding brakes to your trailer, you will first need to make sure you axle is equipped with a brake flange. If not they can be welded on by an axle shop, or you can replace the axle entirely.

If you already have a brake flange you can add brakes. I will need to know the weight capacity of your axle as well as your bearing and seal sizes in order to recommend the correct brake parts. The # K23-086-087-00 brakes I mentioned above are for a standard 3,500 lb axle. They would go with the # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K hubs which use the # L68149 (1.378" inner diameter) inner bearing, # L44649 (1.063" inner diameter) and 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern. You will want to verify your bearing sizes and bolt pattern in order o be sure you get the right parts. If you want to drop that info in the comments below I am happy to provide a list of parts and confirm fitment.

I linked an article for you below and goes over adding brakes to a trailer. You can see pricing for all the parts I mentioned below. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Jesse M.

12/15/2025

Hey Nigel, how did things go with adding brakes to your twin axle boat trailer? Did the disc setup or the electric drum option end up working better for your needs? Your update could make it easier for others deciding between those systems.