Adding Electric Drum Brakes to Tandem Axle Magic Tilt Boat Trailer

Updated 04/11/2016 | Published 04/06/2016

Products Featured in This Question

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

(2763)

$159.00

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(104)

$1.84

Dexter Electric Brake Assembly for 4.4K Axles Manufactured Before May 2009 - 10" - Left Hand

(2)

$115.82

Dexter Electric Brake Assembly for 4.4K Axles Manufactured Before May 2009 - 10" - Right Hand

(3)

$116.43

Trailer Wiring Junction Box

(821)

$31.62

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

(69)

$1.33

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

(925)

$46.90

Question:

I have a dual axle Magic Tilt boat trailer with surge brakes on the front axle? The axles show a 4400 Lb capacity rating per axle with 13inch tires and 5 lugs. The surge brakes do not work and I would like to replace them with electric brakes. Can you please help me determine the correct electric brake assembly to purchase? Thanks.

asked by: Jody M

Expert Reply:

Electric drum brakes are being found as original equipment on boat trailers more and more often, for their simpler installation and lower overall cost. They are used with brake controllers like the reliable Prodigy P2 # 90885. The linked article covers the entire process of adding electric drum brakes to a trailer and the linked page will display all electric brakes for 4400-lb-rated axles, which are the 10 x 2-1/4-inch size.

If you have Dexter axles made before May 2009 you can use left and right brakes # 23-454 and # 23-455. These brakes require a 4-bolt mounting flange, with holes spaced at 2.83-inches apart on center. They will work with 13-inch wheels.

You'll also need items like a junction box # 38656 and ring terminals like # 44-5310A for wiring a 7-way plug like # H20046. For 10-gauge wire for the trailer's brake circuit use # 10-1-1.