Are Electric Over Hydraulic Brakes Required To Have Trailer Brakes Work at Boat Ramp?

Published 09/19/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator - Drum - Zinc - 2" Ball - 7,000 lbs

(337)

$152.75

Demco Straight Tongue Trailer Coupler - eZ-Latch - Silver - 2" Ball - Bolt On - 10,000 lbs

(260)

$74.11

Hydrastar Vented Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Drum Brakes - OEM - 1,000 psi

(30)

$1086.52

Hydrastar Vented Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes - OEM - 1,600 psi

(25)

$1171.84

Question:

Hi there, I need to put brakes on my boat trailer. In order to be able to have trailer brake power while backing into the ramp is it true that I have to either use electric brakes or eoh? Thank you on advance!

asked by: Tyler R

Expert Reply:

You will need to use electric over hydraulic brakes to back down a boat ramp and still have the brakes apply. A Surge Actuator # DM72VR will not apply the brakes since the weight of the trailer is pulling the trailer back down the hill versus pushing into the tow vehicle. I do not recommend using electric only brakes since the electromagnet for the brakes will be submerged in water when launching or retrieving your boat.

You will want to add either the Hydrastar kit for Drum # HS481-8065 or Disc # HS481-8067 brakes if you already have hydraulic brakes. Do remember to replace any surge actuator you may have for a Standard Coupler # DM15000-52 so you do not have to worry about the surge coupler becoming damaged since it will no longer be used. Please let me know what you have if you do not already have any brakes on your trailer.

expert reply by: Bud M