Parts Needed to Convert a Boat Trailer from Surge to Electric Over Hydraulic

Updated 09/07/2021 | Published 09/05/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Buyers Products Straight Tongue Trailer Coupler - Auto Latch - 2-5/16" Ball - Bolt On - 15K

(90)

$166.81

Reese Pole-Tongue Adapter for Weight Distribution Systems - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW

(25)

$250.63

Question:

I already had the Tuson Direct Link 200NE buy had to purchase another one with the ActuLink ACT1600. Below is a picture of the Hoosier triple axle galvanized trailer with the surge actuator as installed. In addition to the ACT1600 I have in my cart Buyers Products Straight Tongue Trailer Coupler - Auto Latch - 2-5/16inch Ball - Bolt On - 15K - 3370091562 and Fulton XLT Powered Drive Trailer Jack - Leg - Side Mount - 22inch Lift - 2,500 lbs - F141401 Would you recommend those items for achieving my goal of electric over hydraulic? Im not sure if I want to put a battery on the tongue but may have to to operate a tear away brake. Suggestions? Other idea is to try to run a Weight Distributing hitch on this trailer. I dont know if I can shorten the tongue enough to fit it without the ladder hitting the truck. Thanks for the help.

asked by: David D

Helpful Expert Reply:

As long as the frame on your Hoosier trailer is 3 inches wide and no more than 5 inches tall, you will be good to go. The Fulton XLT Powered Drive Trailer Jack # F141401 will fit a 3"x3" to 3"x5" frame and the Buyers Products Straight Tongue Trailer Coupler # 3370091562 will fit a 3" wide tongue, so as long as your trailer matches this, these will definitely be good options.

With that being said, I do always suggest using a break away system and this will require a battery to be mounted. The Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit w/ Built-In Charger # 20099 will include this battery and will tie into the brake line of an electric over hydraulic actuator. There will be a few other parts needed to complete this set-up, so I included an article explaining everything that should help.

However, if you wanted to go with weight distribution, you will not actually need to shorten the tongue. The Reese Pole-Tongue Adapter for Weight Distribution Systems # RP58393 will bolt directly to the tongue and is rated up to 14,000 pounds towing and 1,400 pounds of tongue weight, but does need to be mounted approximately 29" back from hitch ball

expert reply by: Lazer S