Can TruRyde Electric Brakes Be Used on a Boat Trailer When Converting to Electric Brakes

Updated 03/24/2016 | Published 03/22/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Left Hand - 5,200 lbs to 7,000 lbs

(206)

$61.83

Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Right Hand - 5,200 lbs to 7,000 lbs

(202)

$63.55

Question:

Im looking at your electric brakes. Im pretty sure that the item TRBK12E01 will work for me. Im wanting to switch out surge brakes for electric on my boat trailer. Can these be used for a boat trailer?

asked by: Dave B

Expert Reply:

Traditionally, boat trailers used hydraulic surge breaks since electricity and water don't usually mix well. But we are seeing more and more boat trailers come out of the factory with electric brakes.

The trailer brake assemblies I recommend for you are the etrailer.com Electric Trailer Brake Assembly # AKEBRK-6R for the Right Hand side and # AKEBRK-6L for the Left Hand side. These will work for your boat trailer once you've converted from surge to electric brakes.

The etrailer.com brake assemblies # AKEBRK-6R, # AKEBRK-6L are designed to fit in a drum assembly that measures 12 inches diameter x 2 inches wide. This size hub and drum assembly is usually seen on trailer axles with 5,200 - 7,000 pound axles. I have attached a diagram showing where to measure your drum to ensure this is the size brake assembly you will need.

Other components you will need to convert your trailer to electric brakes are wiring, a breakaway kit, and a brake controller. If your trailer already has drums, you will want to make sure they are compatible with electric brakes, otherwise you will also want to replace your hub and drum assemblies. I've attached a help article on adding electric brakes to a trailer for you.