What Do I Need to Change My Hydraulic Drum Brakes to Electric Drum Brakes on My Boat Trailer?

Question

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

0

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?

expert reply by: Kate F

0

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.

Kate F.

5/15/2025

@Greg I am sorry, but I do not know of anyone that carry's that size brakes. I just did a Google search where I came across a boat forum with the same question, someone posted all the people they reached out to see if they make them and I do not think it is possible to find them anywhere. I am very sorry. The only options would be to not have brakes (which I do not recommend), or to go up in tire size. I really wish I had a better answer for you Greg.

Greg

5/16/2025

@KateF thank you for the reply. I had arrived at the same conclusion but was hoping you would have better luck. Unfortunately, I can't go up in tire/wheel size because of the limited clearance to the fenders and the boat bunks. I guess it's no brakes for me unless I sell this trailer and buy another one. Thank you.

Kate F.

5/17/2025

@Greg There is another option, you could always make the swap to disc brakes. Check out the Kodiak Disc Brakes - 8" Hub/Rotor - 5 on 4-1/2 - Dacromet - 2,000 lbs - E-Z Lube # KOD27FR. These fit wheel size 10" to 13". If you have a torsion axle, you will need Dexter Hydraulic Brake Lines and Fittings for Single-Axle, Torsion-Axle Trailers # T4829900. For leaf spring set-up Hydrastar Hydraulic Brake Line Kit - Single Axle - 15' Long, 1/8" Main Line # HS496-151 You could pair it will a surge brake actuator like # T47457007K (I have this set-up on my Ranger boat trailer), or a regular disc brake actuator the Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes - 1,600 psi # HBA16. Just want to make sure you know all of your options =)

Helpful Links

tv-demo-kodiak-trailer-brakes-dacromet-8-hubrotor-disc-brakes-kod27fr.aspx

tv-demo-titan-brake-actuator-t47457007k.aspx

See All (5) Replies to Greg ∨

Answer 1

Brakes like the Dexter #23-398-399 that are rated for 2,500 lbs have the capacity to work with 1,800 lb axles, but to get the right brakes you'll need to know your brake's mounting flange bolt pattern as well as your drum diameter. The…

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Answer 2

Hello Lonnie, thanks for reaching out. Does your trailer have drum brakes or disc brakes currently? EOH brakes would be more durable, and provide better stopping power, but electric brakes would be the most economical option. I can point you in the…

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Answer 3

It is possible to loosen up how tight your Self-Adjusting Electric Trailer Brake Kit #AKEBRK-35-SA but it is a little difficult to do, mainly due to lack or room for working. You can potentially remove your hub to make loosening the brake a bit…

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Answer 4

First you will need to remove the old hydraulic equipment. Remove the surge coupler or actuator, remove all the lines, and finally remove the brake assemblies. If you have 10 inch diameter hub and drums, you may need to replace those as well. If you…

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Answer 5

Since we know you have 3,500 lb axles we can pretty easily pick out the correct parts you'd need to add brakes to your trailer. You'd need new hubs that have integrated drums like with the part #AKHD-545-35-EZ-K which have the very common 5…

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Answer 6

Hello Lucas, We do not have 3,500 pound electric brakes with the 5 bolt flange. I looked up the specs on the 2012 Rockwood Premier 2516G and the information that I am finding is that the brake flange is a 4 bolt, but your wheel bolt pattern is a 5…

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Answer 7

When determining if you need 10 inch or 12 inch brake assemblies there are a couple of easy things to check to confirm the fit for your trailer. The first thing is you can measure the diameter of your hub. The second thing is you can look at the…

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Answer 8

Hello Mike. It sounds like you are wanting to add electric brakes to your boat trailer that currently has no brakes. This is possible, but you will first need to make sure that your axle is equipped with a brake flange at the base of the spindle. The…

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Answer 9

I currently have four different self-adjusting assemblies for your boat trailer with 10" x 2-1/4" electric drum brakes. You can choose from the following: -Terran Axle Electric Trailer Brakes #TX97ZJ (3,500 Axles) -etrailer Electric Trailer…

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Answer 10

The Electric Trailer Brake Kit - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 3,500 lbs #AKEBRK-35-SA will work with your existing hubs. This kit comes with both assemblies and they are labeled for installation on the proper side of…

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Answer 11

Before you choose brakes or bearings you should verify what's currently on your trailer. If it is a 3,500 pound axle part #AKEBRK-35-SA will likely fit if the trailer has electric drum brakes. Both sides are included and labeled. They're also…

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Answer 12

Thank you for the pictures! We do offer a trailer brake option that will work with the 10" wheels on your 2014 Shorelander Trailer. Since the trailer will be in water you will want to use the Dexter Hydraulic Trailer Brake Kit #23-398-399 which…

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What Do I Need to Change My Hydraulic Drum Brakes to Electric Drum Brakes on My Boat Trailer?

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