Parts Needed To Add Hydraulic Brakes To 2021 Shorelander Boat Trailer

Updated 02/20/2025 | Published 01/30/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Hydrastar Disc Brake Kit w/ Actuator for Single Axle Trailers - 10" Rotor - 5 on 4-1/2 - 3.5K

(1)

$1410.25

Kodiak Hydraulic Brake Line Kit - Tandem Axle - 20'

(79)

$286.21

DeeMaxx Disc Brake Kit - 10" Hub/Rotor - 5 on 4-1/2 - Maxx Coating - 3,500 lbs

(41)

$670.90

Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator w/ Electric Lockout - Disc - Zinc - 2" Ball - 7,000 lbs

(108)

$199.61

Question:

I am inquiring on adding brakes to my 2021 Shorelander boat trailer and what your recommendations for a package for my trailer. I will assume that it has a 3500lb single axle. The serial plate 1MDAPAT10NA720994 If this is any help. Thank you,

asked by: Dan C

Expert Reply:

Hey Dan, thanks for reaching out. It is possible to add brakes to the 3,500 lb axle on your Shorelander trailer, as long as your axle has a brake flange welded to the base of the spindle. If no brake flange is present, they can we welded on my an axle technician, or your axle can be replaced with one that is brake-ready.

If you do have a brake flange, we can get into what parts you will need. You did not mention what type of brakes you want to add, but since it is a boat trailer, adding hydraulic brakes is the preferred option.

First you will need a hub/rotor kit, and for that I recommend DeeMaxx Disc Brake Kit # DE66YR. This comes with hub/rotors, calipers and brake pads. You will also need a brake line kit such as part # 20TA-BLKIT. This comes with a 20' main line. I am not sure what size your trailer is since there is no way to look up a VIN online, so we will want to be sure the 20' line is appropriate for your trailer. If not just reply below and let me know.

Lastly, you will need to replace your coupler with a surge brake actuator. The Demco # DM62VR is what I recommend since it is a universal fit for a 3" trailer tongue. This coupler is for a 2" trailer ball so if you need a different size, or if your trailer is not a 3" tongue, just reply below and let me know and I will get back to you with alternate part numbers.

The article I linked below goes over the process of adding hydraulic brakes to a trailer in more detail.

Also, if you are wanting to go with a different brake setup like electric drum brakes I can provide a list of parts for that too. Let me know.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Jesse

2/14/2025

Thanks for your follow up. I do have some questions though. 1; In your recommendation with the DeeMax Hub/Rotor versus going with just the rotor that goes over the exciting hub. 2; The Demco brake actuator with electric lockout does not have the manual lockout. When i back my boat into the shed or garage I always use me compact tractor do do this task, so I would need an actuator that has both. 3; Also in the list of options is the Hyrdastyar Disc Brake kit. To me this would be best since I already have a brake controller system in me pickup and this would give me the best control for braking since I would be able to set my gain that would be best for my boat trailer. Or would this not be applicable for a boat trailer. Thanks Dan Crotty

Jesse M.

2/20/2025

@Dan Sorry for the late response. In that case you could use the Dexter # DX89FR actuator instead. It has manual and electric lockout. If you are referring to the Hydrastar # HYD82FR kit, this is applicable for your trailer if you want to do electric over hydraulic brakes. The setup I recommended is hydraulic only which is recommended for boat trailers. Let me know if you need anything else.