Which Type Of Brakes Are Recommended For A Boat Trailer

Updated 06/15/2017 | Published 06/13/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter DX7.5 Drop-N-Go Brake Actuator - Disc Brakes - 2" Ball - Zinc Plated - 7,500 lbs

(93)

$377.95

Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes - 1,600 psi

(239)

$931.34

Question:

I recently bought a 2000 18 Four winns boat. The trailer has disc brakes but I cant find how they would be activated. It appears that the front of the trailer has been modified. Should this have surge brakes or electric. If what I assume is correct would it be easier to retrofit surge brakes or install electic?

asked by: Jeff R

Expert Reply:

For all boat and watercraft carrier trailers, I recommend using surge brakes as electric drum brakes are not ideal for use with boat trailers as we all know water and electricity do not mix.

A surge brake setup can be activated by one of two ways. The first being a hydraulic surge coupler installed on the trailer's tongue such as the Dexter Zinc-Plated Brake Actuator part # 099-175-20. The second is through the use of an electric over hydraulic actuator such as the HydraStar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator part # HBA16. However, again I do not recommend this as water and electricity do not mix.

You will need to keep in mind the type of surge brakes you have installed on your trailer when choosing between a brake actuator or electric over hydraulic actuator as each style has models that are rated for use with either drum or disc brakes. Disc brakes require a much higher psi to operate compared to drum brakes, therefore you will need to ensure you have the correct actuator.

If your existing disc brakes are in good condition, it would be much easier to install an actuating coupler and run brake lines than switching to an electric braking system. I have linked all of our brake actuator and brake line kits for you.

You will need to know the weight of your trailer in addition to the correct ball size on your hitch to choose the proper one.

expert reply by: Conner L