Are Electric Trailer Brakes Okay to Use on a Boat Trailer

Question

Question:

Are these brakes part # 23-468 Ok for a boat trailer? thanks

asked by: John F

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Hydraulic brakes are better suited for boat trailers for the simple fact that wires and water do not like to cooperate with each other, but the etrailer.com Self Adjusting Electric Trailer Brakes, # AKEBRK-35L-SA, can be used on a boat trailer assuming there is a 4-bolt brake mounting flange welded to the axle. The compatible right hand brake assembly is part # AKEBRK-35R-SA.

If you choose to install electric brakes on your boat trailer, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. First, make sure all of your splices and wires are sealed so water cannot make its way into the wires and cause shorts or corrosion build up. Second, I strongly recommend unplugging the trailer wiring from the vehicle before backing into the water and not plugging them back in until the trailer has had a chance to dry.

Finally, electric trailer brakes are actuated with a brake controller that would be installed in the cab of the vehicle as well as a 5, 6 or 7-way style trailer connector if you do not already have one. If you do not have a brake controller, I would recommend looking at the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, # 90885. If you would like some recommendations on trailer wiring for your tow vehicle, let me know the year, make and model of your vehicle and what type of trailer wiring you currently have installed.

I have attached a trailer wiring FAQ for you to check out that talks about how electric trailer brakes are wired and the different trailer connectors. I have also attached FAQ articles on parts needed to add electric or hydraulic brakes to a trailer.

expert reply by: John H

1

Clifford G.

11/10/2021

Do you ship Trailer Brake Hubs & Brake assemblies to Australia. Do you have distributer in Brisbane Qld Austraila. Thanks

Les D.

11/15/2021

@CliffordG We do not ship to Australia, nor do we have a distributor there. You might look into a freight forwarder for this need.

Answer 1

You will need to do some measuring to determine if the 10 Inch Electric Brake Assembly LH, item #AKEBRK-35L, is the correct assembly for your trailer. Measure the diameter of the mounted brake shoe, the width of the lining and the distance between…

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Answer 2

In order to add electric brakes to a trailer you'll need to know the axle capacity and wheel bolt pattern. The axle capacity should be printed on a tag in the center of the beam. Once you have this you can use it to pick out the correct braking…

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Answer 3

It sounds like you are using a slip on rotor for your disc brake conversion. This will cause the wheels on the braking axle to sit slightly farther out than the wheels on the non-braking axle. This is due to the thickness of the rotor, which is is…

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Answer 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 8

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 9

The #84 spindle is just a common way to identify the spindle dimensions typically used for 3,500 lb axles. So instead of listing out the parts, people can just say they have #84 spindles and it's easier to know what fits it. The CE Smith Trailer…

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Answer 10

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 11

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 12

Hi Paul, you’re definitely on the right track here, and I can help you narrow this down with confidence. With your tandem 3,500 lb Dexter axles and 33 inch spacing, both the Dexter EZ Flex part #K71-652-00 and the Lippert Road Armor part #LC53CK are…

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Are Electric Trailer Brakes Okay to Use on a Boat Trailer

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