Parts Needed to Convert from Surge Brakes to Electric Brakes on a Boat Trailer  

Question:

Expert Reply:

It's becoming more and more common to find electric brakes on boat trailers. It's a good idea to use brakes that have corrosion resistance and to unplug the trailer from your truck whenever launching or loading the boat to help prevent any shorts.

I recommend the dacromet brake assemblies # AKEBRK-7-D. This includes both the left and right hand brakes and they're labeled to make the install easier. For the bolts and mounting hardware use # BRKH12 and you also may need the adjustment spoon # W80630 since they're manual adjust brakes.

You're going to need to wire the trailer to power the brakes. This will require to have a 7-way connector if it doesn't already have one. Use our # HS381-9000 wiring kit for a 7-way with a junction box and all the connectors you'll need. Then use 10 gauge wire # 10-2-1, which is sold by the foot, to run the wire from the junction box to the trailer's brakes.

The trailer will require a breakaway kit. The Hopkins Engager # 20099 is our most popular kit. The breakaway kit engages the trailer's brakes in the event the trailer is separated from your tow vehicle.

In order to control the trailer's brakes you must have an electric brake controller in your tow vehicle. If you don't already have one I suggest the Prodigy P3 # 90195 because of how reliable and easy to use it is. Its one of our top brake controllers. If you tell me the year, make, and model of your tow vehicle I'll see if we have a custom harness to install the controller. And also anything else that may be necessary.

I've linked some videos on the products I've recommended for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Charles S

0