Parts Needed to Convert Hydraulic Brakes to Electric Brakes on a Boat Trailer 3.5K Axles

Question

Question:

My boat trailer has hydraulic brakes that are always locked up. I removed the brakes to at least be able to move the trailer. How do I change to electric only? Can I use the same brake hubs? Current hubs are Trailer Buddy Unique Functional product HD 1377. Inside dia. is 10in, outside dia. is 10 5/8in. 5 open thread holes for mounting tire with bolts, not lugs.

asked by: Fran

0

Expert Reply:

To change your boat from hydraulic brakes to electric brakes you will need to replace the hubs and brake assemblies. The UFP hubs that you have do not have a surface suitable for a brake magnet. You will also need to add wiring for the brakes and a breakaway battery.

Here is a list of parts I recommend for your trailer:

-3.5K Brake Assemblies # AKEBRK-35-SA
-3.5K Galvanized Hubs # AKHD-545-35-G-EZ-K
or
-3.5K Painted Hubs # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K (if you don't want to spend the extra money on galvanized)
-7-Way Upgrade Trailer Wiring Kit # HS381-9000
-12 Gauge Wire # 12-2-1 (Sold by the foot. This will run from the junction box back to the brake assemblies)
-Heat Shrink Butt Connectors # DW05745-5
-Breakaway Battery Kit # 3802346

For your vehicle, you will need a 7-way trailer connector if you don't already have one and you will need a brake controller. If you'd like some guidance or recommendations on equipping your vehicle, please let me know what vehicle you have and whether or not it has a factory tow package.

I've attached a few help articles and videos for you to check out.

expert reply by: John H

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Answer 1

The only version of the etrailer wiring 7-way upgrade kit part #HS381-9000 that we offer is this one that has the RV wiring colors. The best solution I can provide to help with that is a wiring diagram that has both color setups for you to compare…

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Answer 2

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 3

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 4

Hey Dan, The info you provided does tell us a bit about the axle but isn't enough to look up what components go with with it. With it being a 3,500lb axle it's probably a generic 3,500lb kit for the bearings and seals but I'd hate to not…

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Answer 5

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 6

First you will need to remove the old hydraulic equipment. Remove the surge coupler or actuator, remove all the lines, and finally remove the brake assemblies. If you have 10 inch diameter hub and drums, you may need to replace those as well. If you…

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Answer 7

Traditionally, trailer manufacturers did not use electric brakes on boat trailers because the brake magnet wiring and trailer wiring did not always have the best insulation or water protection. These days, more and more manufacturers are using…

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Answer 8

Hi Rusty; the Dexter #84546UC3-EZ and etrailer #AKHD-5475-35-K will both fit a 3,500 lb axle but they have different bolt patterns. You already ordered the Dexter in the past so I'm assuming your wheels are 5 on 4-1/2. For the same bolt pattern…

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Answer 9

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 10

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 11

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

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Answer 12

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Parts Needed to Convert Hydraulic Brakes to Electric Brakes on a Boat Trailer 3.5K Axles

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