Adding Electric Brakes To 1996 Stratos 278V Bass Boat With 3700 Pound Axle
Updated 12/22/2025 | Published 10/28/2024
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Question:
I have a 1996 Stratos 278V bass boat riding on a single 3700 lb axle. I am wanting to put electric trailer brakes. I will need the brakes and the hubs. Im not sure if the 3500 lb axle hubs will fit the 3700 lb axle spindle. From what I have been able to find online, both the 35 and the 3700 lb spindles both take a 1 1/16 x 1 3/8 outer and inner bearings. Do you have any knowledge if this is correct or not. Thanks, John
asked by: John
Expert Reply:
Hello John.
Yes, it sounds like the bearing kit for the the 3500 pound axles and the 3700 pound axles are the same. The 3500 pound axles typically use an outer bearing of L44649 with I.D. of 1.063" (1 1/16"), and and inner bearing L68149 with I.D. of 1.378" (1 3/8"), so if those are the bearing sizes you are pulling out of your current hubs then this set up will work great for you.
For the hubs you are going to need to double check the bolt pattern on your wheels. In my experience the common bolt pattern on the bass boat trailers is 5 on 4 1/2" (I am attaching a print out so you can double check if needed), with that being said I would go with Easy Grease Trailer Hub/Drum Assembly for 3.5K Axles - 10" Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2 - Galvanized # AKHD-545-35-G-EZ-K, the galvanized hubs are a great option for marine applications as they are corrosion resistant. These are sold individually so you will need to order 2 of them.
For the brakes you are going to want etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3,500 lbs # AKEBRK-35, now these are a manual adjust brake, if you want a self adjusting brake then go with part # AKEBRK-35-SA. These come in a set, so you just need to order 1 pair. In order to hook up the brakes you will need some Deka Jacketed 2 Wire, 10 Gauge, Brake Wire - per Foot # 10-2-1. Now this is sold by the foot, so you will need to measure from the front of the trailer down the side of the trailer to your axle where you will attach the left/driver side brake and then go across axle to connect the left/passenger side brake to see how many feet you need to order.
You are going to also need a breakaway kit, so for that I would use Bright Way Trailer Breakaway Kit with Charger, LED Tester, and 5 Ah Battery - Side Load # 3802346. Its a added safety feature if your trailer were to ever get detached from your vehicle while towing you can rest assure that the brakes will engage on the trailer.
You will also want to add a junction box to the trailer if it does not have one already, I like to use etrailer Trailer Wiring Junction Box - 7 Terminal # e99009, it's color coded and the ring terminals are included as well. If your trailer does not already have a 7 way connector on it then I would go with etrailer Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit w/ Junction Box and RV Style Connector # e99011, comes with all the same parts but also includes a 7 way for the trailer side.
A brake controller is required for electric brakes. If you do not have one already and would like to give me the year make and model of your vehicle, I am happy to recommend a brake controller as well. I have also attached a great help article about adding electric brakes to a trailer.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- Standard Grade
- Manual Adjust
- 10 x 2-1/4 Inch Drum
- 3500 lbs Axle
- 14 Inch Wheel
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- etrailer
more information >
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Kate F.
12/22/2025
Hey John, how did the electric brake setup go on your Stratos 278V trailer? Were the 3,500‑lb hubs and bearings a good match for your 3,700‑lb axle? Your update could make it easier for others working on similar bass boat trailers.