Can Electric Trailer Brakes be Used on a Boat Trailer and Be Submerged

Updated 01/22/2014 | Published 01/21/2014

Question:

Hi guys, I just purchased a set of electric brakes from you. Guess I should have asked this question before I ordered, but Im putting them on a boat trailer. Will they work after being submerged?

asked by: James F

Expert Reply:

People do use electric brakes on a boat trailer but it is not the best idea to do so because of the volatile relationship between water and electricity. You will need to make sure and unplug the trailer from the tow vehicle before submerging the trailer wheels. And you will need them to dry out before plugging the trailer back in.

If you do not then you can end up with a short circuit that can damage something on the tow vehicle and lead to costly repairs. I recommend hydraulic brakes for boat trailers. There are a couple of ways to add hydraulic brakes to a trailer. You can get a kit that includes a surge coupler or get the parts individually if you want drum brakes. Or you can get the brakes and lines you need and use an electric over hydraulic actuator. But your brake controller will have to be electric over hydraulic compatible

I have included a couple of links that explain the different parts needed for the various options for you to review.

expert reply by: Michael H