How to Convert a Boat Trailer w/ Surge Brakes to Electric Brakes?

Question

Question:

I need to convert a boat trailer from surge brakes and not sure exactly what all is needed.

asked by: Ben J

0

Expert Reply:

To convert your trailer from surge to electric brakes you are going to need a new set of brake assemblies that match the brake flange on your boat trailer. The Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Kit - 12" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 6,000 lbs item # 23-105-106 have a 5 bolt mounting flange and fit 12" hubs. These would be a great start but you will want to ensure they are the same size as your current brakes. You will need to look inside your hubs as well. If your hubs have casting holes inside then you will need to replace them as well. Electric brakes need a smooth surface to attach to when the magnet is engaged or the brakes will not stop your trailer.

You will need enough 10 Gauge Wire item # 10-1-1 to run to your brake assemblies. The wiring can be spliced and does not need an individual wire from the junction box to each brake.

Next you will need a Trailer Breakaway Kit item item # 50-85-313. This will activate the trailer brakes in the event of a disconnect and is required by law. Since your trailer likely only has a 4-way or 5-way connector you will need a 7-Way RV-Style Trailer Connector w/ Molded Cable item # A10-7W6 and Trailer Wiring Junction Box item # 38656 to run all the additional wiring that will be required. The 7-way will wire into this box and you can run the existing 4-way wiring into the box as this makes for much better connections than trying to splice all the wiring in line on the harness with butt connectors. This will also protect your wires from the elements and moisture.

You will also need several Ring Terminals item # DW05740-1, item # DW05737-1 to connect your wiring inside the junction box and Butt Connectors item # DW05744-5, item # DW05745-10 to make any electrical connections outside of the junction box. And a fixed coupler to replace your surge brake coupler.

And finally you will also need to add an electric brake controller to your 2013 Ford F-150. I recommend the Tekonsha P3 item # 90195.

expert reply by: Jerred H

0

Answer 1

For the wiring, you can add a 7-way to your 2021 Durango, but the harness you mentioned won't fit, so you will need a couple different parts. First you'll need a 4-way for the lighting functions, and then a 7-way adapter which will give you…

view full answer...

Answer 2

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…

view full answer...

Answer 3

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.

view full answer...

Answer 4

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…

view full answer...

Answer 5

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…

view full answer...

Answer 6

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…

view full answer...

Answer 7

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…

view full answer...

Answer 8

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…

view full answer...

Answer 9

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.…

view full answer...

Answer 10

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…

view full answer...

Answer 11

To determine the size of the brake assemblies you need you have to measure the depth and width of the hub drum on the axle like what you see in the picture I attached. The most common size is 2-1/4 inch wide like the #T4071600-500 that you…

view full answer...

Answer 12

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…

view full answer...

How to Convert a Boat Trailer w/ Surge Brakes to Electric Brakes?

Products Featured in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Continue Researching