Adding Brakes To A Shorelander Single Axle Boat Trailer

Updated 06/20/2024 | Published 05/18/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Trailer Wiring Junction Box - 7 Terminals - Polypropylene

(270)

$14.38

Bright Way Push-to-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit with 1-Amp Charger and 5 Ah Battery - Top Load

(217)

$63.86

Question:

I would like to add electric brakes to the Shorelander single axel boat trailer that came from Lund when I bought a new Lund 1775 Adventure Sport boat in 2022. The trailer tag has the number 1MDAHAR11PA742591 2023 R22L Black Shire ARMR2 8052516 Thanks.

asked by: Dan S

Expert Reply:

Hello Dan. This trailer currently has no brakes correct? It may be possible to add electric brakes, as long as the axle is equipped with a 4-bolt brake flange. If no brake flange is present, you would either need to have them added to the axle, or replace the axle entirely.

If you do have a brake flange, you can add electric brakes without too much trouble. You will need to get brake assemblies, hub/drum assemblies, a 7-way trailer wiring harness, an emergency breakaway kit, and an electric trailer brake controller for your vehicle.

I can certainly point you in the right direction for all of these parts. I will just need to know the axle weight capacity, and the spindle and/or bearing sizes your trailer currently uses. Regrettably there is no way for me to use your VIN to find this information. Your best bet will be to pull one of the hubs and remove the bearings. Each bearing will have a number stamped on the edge. When you get them, drop those bearing numbers in the comment section below and I will make sure you get the right hubs and brakes. Aside from those parts, you will need the following:

- 7-Way Molded Connector w/ 15' Cable - Trailer End # 50-67-103

- Bright Way Push-to-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit with 1-Amp Charger and 5 Ah Battery # 3802308

The 7-way harness is 15' long, so you may need some additional wire, depending on how you set everything up. I also suggest that you use a junction box like part # 3375601100. Your vehicle will need to be equipped with a brake controller. If you don't have one already, I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195.

Let me know those bearing sizes, and your hub bolt pattern in the comments below and I can recommend the rest of the parts you need.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Dan S.

5/24/2024

I’m sorry, I should have said surge disc brakes, not electric brakes. The trailer has 15” 5 lug wheels and there are 4 holes in the flange that I think a caliper would mount to. Do you have a kit that will work for this? Thanks.

Jesse M.

5/24/2024

@DanS Oh ok thanks for clarifying. I was going to say we don't usually recommend putting electric brakes on a boat trailer that will be submerged. We do have a kit that will work for you. To add surge brakes to your trailer you will need to add a surge brake actuator like the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator # DM62VR. You will also need a brake line kit such as part # 18SI-BLKIT which has an 18' long main line. You will also need a disc brake kit such as the Kodiak # KOD67FR. Please note that this hub/rotor is for a 3.5K axle and uses a # L68149 (1.378" inner diameter) inner bearing and a # L44649 (1.063" inner diameter) outer bearing. Please do confirm your bearing sizes for me and I can make sure you get the right stuff.

Dan S.

5/29/2024

@JesseM My trailer has 1-3/8” inner bearing and 1-1/16 outer bearing. Please advise. The other thing I am concerned with is I would not like to have to splice any brake lines, as I have never done that and probably don’t have the correct tools. Thanks, Dan

Jesse M.

5/30/2024

@DanS Those bearing sizes you mentioned are the standard 3,500 lb axle bearing sizes. So, the Kodiak # KOD67FR I mentioned above will be correct for you. If we can get the correct size brake line kit, you won't have to cut or splice any brake lines. All of the tees and fittings will just screw in. You can measure the distance from the brake actuator or trailer coupler to the axle. Let me know that distance and we can get you an appropriately sized main line so you won't have to cut anything. The brake line kits also come with clamps to secure the line to the trailer. Aside from that you will just need to install the rotors and calipers and bleed the brakes. This can be done manually or with a Bleeder like part # PTW87030. We have some good literature on adding disc braked to trailers. You will find links to a few helpful articles just below. Feel free to reach out if you have more questions for me.

Helpful Links

faq-adding-hydraulic-disc-brakes.aspx

faq-bleed-trailer-brakes.aspx