Converting Trailer from Surge Brakes to Electric Brakes
Updated 06/18/2025 | Published 03/03/2010
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
i have a trailer that is currently fitted w/ 2 sets of surge brakes. my new chevy truck has a controller built in. what will it take to convert my trailer?
asked by: will
Expert Reply:
First you will need to remove the old hydraulic equipment. Remove the surge coupler or actuator, remove all the lines, and finally remove the brake assemblies. If you have 10 inch diameter hub and drums, you may need to replace those as well. If you have 12 inch hub and drums, you can re-use them so long as they are in good shape.
You will install your new electric brake assemblies, like part # 23-105 and part # 23-106. The magnets have 2 wire leads, one for ground, one for power. It does not matter which wire you use for which function, they are non-polarity specific. The two power wires will need to be run up the length of the frame and connected together. Ultimately they need to connect to the brake controller output wire on the 7-Way on the truck. I have added a link to a wiring page that shows which pin serves which function on a seven way.
Hubs need to be re-installed or replaced. This would also be a good time to clean and check bearings and make sure they do not need to be replaced. I have added links to a bunch of videos that show how to do these things.
You will need a new coupler and this all depends on the frame of the trailer. I have added a link to a page with all of our couplers on it.
This should get you started for now. You will probably have more questions later, so feel free to write back and we will do our best to get you set up.
Thomas
6/18/2025
Patrick, I have 2 3500lb axles on a pontoon trailer. I am considering switching the surge system to electric because I just cant seem to get the surge system to work in a way that the hubs don't get extremely hot during a tow. Only the real axle has the brakes. I have 10" hubs/drums but you mention that if 10" I may have to replace them, why? the ones I have are only 2 years old. Also, what do I do with the actuator?, leave it and just lock it out with the adapter? it is fairly new as well however I don't think the internals (master cylinder/shock are new)
Jon G.
6/18/2025
Helpful Links
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Left Hand - 6,000 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- LH
- 6000 lbs
- Brake Assembly
- Manual Adjust
- 12 x 2 Inch Drum
- Dexter
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Search Results: trailer brakes
- Q&A: How to Convert a Trailer with Surge Brakes to Electric Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K
- Search Results: brake actuator
- Shop: Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3.5K Axles - 10" - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left/Right Hand - 5.2K to 7K
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: hydraulic brake lines
- Search Results: accessories and parts
- Search Results: 10" electric brakes
- Search Results: tandem axle brake line kit
- Shop: Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes - 1,600 psi
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3,500 lbs
- Shop: Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Left Hand - 6,000 lbs
- Video: Detailed Breakdown of the etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit w/ Junction Box and RV Style Connector
- Video: Review of Trailer Valet Trailer Jack - JXS Sidewind Swivel Trailer Jack With Wheel - TV64FR
- Video: A Look at the Trailer Valet JXS Drill Powered Drop Leg Trailer Jack with Footplate
- Video: Review of Trailer Valet Trailer Jack - JXS Sidewind Trailer Jack With Movable Leg - TV36FR
- Video: A Closer Look at the etrailer Square A-Frame Jack with Footplate
- Q&A: Will the DeeMaxx Alpha G1600 Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator with 2017-22 GM Brake Controller?
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Q&A: Can Electric Brakes be Used on a Boat Trailer
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Will the Reverse Lockout Solenoid for the Demco DA66 Work W/ a DA66B Actuator
- Video: HydraStar Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Installation
- Video: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes Review
- Q&A: Instructions to Wire a Trailer for Electric Brakes
- Q&A: Is Junction Box Recommended When Installing New Trailer Wiring 7-Way
on Accessories and Parts
Jerry
6/8/2025
Hi Patrick, I’m looking to convert 1102 Humvee trailer. I’d appreciate you let me know what all the steps do I need to take? I wanna convert it to a 12 V system. My sprinter has a seven pin pigtail. I want to install an articulated hitch. Also, I want to convert the surge to electric brakes. Thanks looking forward to your response.