Converting Boat Trailer from Surge Brakes to Electric Brakes

Updated 07/14/2015 | Published 07/11/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left Hand - 3,500 lbs

(361)

$66.97

Trailer Wiring Junction Box

(821)

$31.97

Ring Terminal - 12-10 Gauge Wire - 3/16" Ring ID

(69)

$1.45

Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(2763)

$159.88

Hopkins 7-Way RV Style Connector with Molded Cable - Trailer End - 8' Long - RV Standard

(925)

$46.90

Question:

I have a 1994 Sport Nautique on a Coronette trailer. It currently has a surge brake, but I want to retrofit to electric brakes. Dont know for sure what brakes to order. How do I determine for sure the size and weight that I need e.g. 10inch and 3,500 lbs? Is that written somewhere on the trailer? Please advise....

asked by: Dave H

Expert Reply:

If you can give us the brand of the axle and the weight capacity, we can probably find everything you need.

There are a few things to consider when converting the surge brakes to electric on your boat trailer. I have attached a helpful article that explains what is needed to add electric brakes to a trailer. The first thing you will need to know is the weight rating of your axle. This should be on a sticker or plate.

Next you will want to select hub/drum assemblies that use the same bearings as you are currently using. The best way to find that information is to remove the bearings and seals from your hub and get the numbers. I have attached a photo that shows where you can typically find those numbers. You will also need to know the bolt pattern on the hub.

In the help article I have attached you can see the chart that shows the typical components needed for adding electric drum brakes.

Since you have surge brakes, and if the surge coupler cannot be locked, the coupler will also need to be replaced. I have attached a link to our product page for the couplers we carry. You can use the filters on the left to find the coupler you need for your trailer.

You will also need wiring for your trailer and your towing vehicle. If you have a 4-way connector on your trailer you can replace it with a 7-way like part # H20046. To complete the wiring on the trailer you may want to use a junction box like part # 38656 along with 7-Way Molded Trailer Wire Connector # H20046 and ring terminals # 44-5310A.

The brake controller I recommend is the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, part # 90885. This is our most popular controller because it is easy to install and use.

I have attached some links to helpful articles that explains brake controllers and their installation you can check out.