Are Electric Drum Brakes Safe to Submerge and Use on Boat Trailer

Updated 01/27/2020 | Published 01/26/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Replacement Magnet Kit for 10" Electric Trailer Brake Assemblies - 3,500 lbs

(122)

$30.55

etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K

(3177)

$179.38

Deka Self-Fusing Auto Tape - Black - 10' Roll - Qty 1

(37)

$14.27

Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connector - 12-10 Gauge - Nylon Insulation - Yellow - Qty 10

(1143)

$13.21

Question:

Are they waterproof. Will they work on a boat trailer where they will get submerged.

asked by: Jim W

Expert Reply:

It's no secret that water and electricity do not do well together. That being said, improvements in wiring insulation and heat shrink connectors have made it more and more common for boat trailer manufacturers to use electric brake assemblies instead of the traditional disc or drum hydraulic brakes, which are less cost effective.

While electric brake assemblies and the components inside of them, like the # AKBRKR-M10 magnets are not waterproof, they can handle being submerged under water but it is important to disconnect the trailer wiring from the tow vehicle before backing into the water.

When installing brake assemblies, like the Electric Trailer Brake Kit - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 3,500 lbs # AKEBRK-35-SA, I highly recommend using heat shrink butt connectors like # DW05745-10 to splice the wires together along with self-fusing tape # DW04367 to create a waterproof seal around your connections.

I've attached a helpful article that goes over all the parts you'll need to add electric brakes to your trailer at the bottom of the page for you.