What Do I Need to Change My Hydraulic Drum Brakes to Electric Drum Brakes on My Boat Trailer?
Updated 05/19/2025 | Published 05/12/2025
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Question:
I have a boat trailer with hydraulic brakes and 10 wheels. The electric/hydraulic actuator is missing, and Id like to convert to electric. The hub/drum says 15652 on the outside and measured about 9-1/8 OD. The inner bearing is 1-3/8 and the outer bearing ID is 1. I didnt measure the shoe size while I had the drum off. Is there a way to convert to electric brakes but use the same drums?
asked by: Greg C
Expert Reply:
Hello Greg,
Yes, you can use the same drum for the electric brakes that you used with your hydraulic brakes. Based on the measurements you provided, it looks like you have a #84 spindle, which typically means you're working with a 3,500 lb axle.
Here’s what you’ll need for the conversion:
You will need:
- etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K # AKEBRK-35-SA
- Deka Jacketed 2 Wire, 10 Gauge, Brake Wire # 10-2-1 sold by the foot so you will need to measure to see how much you need.
- Brake controller (let me know your year make and model if you do not have one already so I can recommend one with the correct vehicle specific pigtail.
- Trailer coupler if you do not have one already, like the Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler - Trigger Latch - Zinc - 2" Ball - Bolt On - 5,000 lbs # CT-5003-Z (works on a 3" channel).
- Breakaway kit # 20400
I attached a couple of review-install videos for you to check out as well.
What kind of boat trailer are you working on?
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Hydraulic Trailer Brakes - Uni-Servo - 7" - Left/Right - 2.5K
- Trailer Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- Standard Grade
- Manual Adjust
- Single Servo
- 7 x 1-3/4 Inch Drum
- 2500 lbs Axle
- 10 Inch Wheel
- 12 Inch Wheel
- 13 Inch Wheel
- Dexter
more information >
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on Trailer Brakes
Greg
5/15/2025
Thank you for the reply. After more research, and speaking with the Wesco Trailer manufacturer, it has become apparent that no one makes, or carries this size brake system anymore. The trailer has 10" wheels, which means that any brakes that I have been able to find to fit 3500 lb. axles are too large for the wheels to go over. The 10" wheels were used back then to keep the trailer size down and the boat lower to the ground for launching. My brakes have an 8.5" inside diameter drum, and the shoes are 8-1/2 x 2-1/4. Barry at Wesco Trailers actually recommended etrailer, but I told him there were no brakes that size on your website. I have not found any brakes that size anywhere on the internet. If you know of any, please let me know where to find them! Thank you.