Parts Needed to Swap Surge Brakes With Electric Brakes On a 16' Car Hauler Trailer

Updated 02/16/2024 | Published 02/13/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 4,400-lb E-Z Lube Axles - 10" Diameter - 6 on 5-1/2

(589)

$244.64

Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 10" - Left Hand - 3,500 lbs

(311)

$77.54

Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 10" - Right Hand - 3,500 lbs

(302)

$83.92

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(6643)

$155.79

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

(73)

$1041.78

Question:

I am interested in converting my surge brakes on my 16ft car trailer to 3500 electric brakes- 2 questions- Q1- do i need to add all 4 axle brake kits or can i get away with 2?- Q2- My drums are in decent shape- do i need to replace them as well? Im thinking they should work Thoughts?

asked by: Bill

Expert Reply:

In order to swap your surge brakes to electric brakes you're going to need to first swap out the actuator with the Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Drum Brakes # HBA-10.

The next thing you'll need is new brake assemblies, if your drums are in good shape you can leave those on there but you're going to need brake kits for all four of your wheels using # 23-26 for the left side and # 23-27 for the right side.

Next, you're going to need a brake controller. I personally like the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles # 90195. This brake controller will work with up to 4 axles, has automatic leveling so you can mount it in any orientation, and has built in safeguards to protect your vehicle, trailer, and brake controller.

The last thing you're going to need to do is lock out your current coupler because it likely has an actuating coupler, and it no longer needs to be actuated.