How to Change Out Trailer Hydraulic Surge Brakes to Electric Brakes
Updated 04/06/2018 | Published 04/05/2018
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I have a boat trailer that has a non functioning surge brake system, leaks and is past point of cost effective repair. How hard would it be to switch it over to an all electric system. I know it would need all new parts but any possible for seen complications? Thanks so much
asked by: Tim M
Helpful Expert Reply:
Switching from a hydraulic braking system to electric is actually a lot less complicated than the other way around. You basically just need to lock out your surge brake actuator, swap out your brakes, and then add some wiring and a breakaway kit on the trailer side. I can actually let you know what you will need right now, but if your hub and drum assemblies need to be changed that will require some additional information.
You can determine what replacement brakes you need by simply measuring the inside diameter of your hub and drum assemblies. If the diameter measures 7" you need part # AKEBRK-2, if it measures 10" you need part # AKEBRK-35-SA, and if it measures 12" you need part # AKEBRK-7-SA.
If you already have a 7-Way installed on your trailer then adding some wiring is very easy. You just need to run 10 Gauge Wire # 10-1-1 from the pin in the 7 o'clock position back to your brake assemblies (see attached picture). The brake assemblies have 2 wires; one for power and one for ground. If doesn't matter which wire is used for which function.
If you don't have a 7-Way then I recommend installing the Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit # HS381-9000 which includes a junction box for easy installation and all of the ring terminals that you need.
The most popular breakaway kit is the Hopkins # 20099 which includes a battery that has a built-in charger and that you can test with the push of a button. It is a favorite here at etrailer and has received great customer reviews.
To activate the trailer brakes you will need a brake controller. If your tow vehicle isn't already equipped with one then I recommend using the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 as it is easily installed and features an LCD screen for easy operation. Let me know what the year/make/model is of your tow vehicle and I can give you some details on the installation.
I have linked some videos and helpful articles that you can reference as well.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - 7" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 2,000 lbs
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- Standard Grade
- Manual Adjust
- 7 x 1-1/4 Inch Drum
- 2000 lbs Axle
- 10 Inch Wheel
- 12 Inch Wheel
- 13 Inch Wheel
- etrailer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Search Results: 7" brakes
- Shop: Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 3,500-lb Axles - 10" Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - 7" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 2,000 lbs
- Shop: Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 2K Axles - 7" Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2 - L44649 - Pre-Greased
- Shop: Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 3,500-lb Axles - 10" Diameter - 5 on 5-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Shop: Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 2K Axles - 7" - 5 on 4-1/2 - L44649 - Pre-Greased
- Shop: Mounting Hardware for 7" Brake Assemblies
- Shop: Brake Mounting Flange for 2-3/8" Round Axle
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes
- Q&A: Can Brake Assemblies be Installed With Brake Magnet Not At Bottom of Drum
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Convert 2000 Jayco Eagle 14SO From Hydraulic to Electric Brakes
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Electric Trailer Brakes
- Q&A: Installing Electric Trailer Brakes To Replace Hydraulic Brakes
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Search Results: trailer jack
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Q&A: Installation Time for Blue Ox BX1128 Flat Tow Base Plate Kit for 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
on Trailer Brakes
