Converting A Surge Drum Brake Boat Trailer Over To Electric Over Hydraulic Brakes

Published 11/22/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Kodiak Hydraulic Brake Line Kit - Tandem Axle - 20'

(82)

$260.06

Hydrastar Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator w/ Breakaway and 7-Way RV Harness - 1,600 psi

(83)

$904.45

Kodiak Disc Brakes - 10" Hub/Rotor - 5 on 4-1/2 - Dacromet/KodaGuard - 3,500 lbs - E-Z Lube

(49)

$717.43

Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Universal Wiring Harness - Dash Knob - Proportional

(2505)

$217.00

Question:

I am considering buying a boat with an older Venture Trailer. It presently has surge actuated drum brakes that I would like to replace with an electric over hydraulic system with disc brakes. The total trailer weight will be about 6500 lbs. What do you recommend?

asked by: Gary C

Expert Reply:

I can certainly point you in the right direction. Switching from hydraulic drum brakes over to EOH disc brakes is basically going to require a full conversion kit. It may be possible to re-use some of the old brake lines, but if you are doing a full conversion, we do recommend replacing everything. We are going to need to gather more information on this trailer in order to recommend the correct parts.

The main thing we need to know is the weight capacity of each axle. More specifically the bearing/ spindle size. This way we can get you the correct hubs/rotors. Based on the 6,500 lb total weight, my guess would be you have a pair of 3,500 lb rated axles. If the axle tag is still present, it should show this info, otherwise you can pull a hub and get some bearing sizes or measurements.

We will also need to know the length of the trailer from the tongue to the axles in order to recommend the correct brake line kit. The kit recommended below has a 20' main line. Assuming the axles are the standard 3,500 lb sizing, I suggest the following parts:

Kodiak Disc Brakes - 10" Hub/Rotor - 5 on 4-1/2 - Dacromet/KodaGuard - 3,500 lbs # KOD59FR
Kodiak Hydraulic Brake Line Kit - Tandem Axle - 20' # 20TA-BLKIT
Hydrastar Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator w/ Breakaway and 7-Way RV Harness # HS381-9067

The Hydrastar kit comes with literally everything you will need other than the rotor kit and brake lines. Keep in mind that the hubs are a 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern, so new wheels/tires may be needed if this does not match what is currently on the trailer. You also will need to make sure your tow vehicle is equipped with an EOH compatible brake controller like the Redarc Tow Pro Liberty # RED52VR.