Best Hydraulic Drum Brakes For A Boat Trailer With 3,500 Pound Axle
Updated 09/02/2025 | Published 08/30/2025
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Question:
I have a 2 axle eagle boat trailer with surge brakes and 14 inch wheels.The drums are Dexter 8-247.They are 10x2.5 inches.The backing plate is 4 bolt 2 7/8 pattern. The tag on the axle is laselle axle group 3500 lbs. Serial649537 I need drum brakes and prefer the whole system to bolt on.
asked by: Chad O
Expert Reply:
Hi Chad!
That 4 bolt mounting plate with 2-7/8" measurement is pretty much the standard for 3,500 pound axle brakes (which the Dexter 8-247 drum also fits), so that makes it nice and easy. We have a lot of option, but I recommend the two I have listed below:
etrailer Hydraulic Trailer Brakes - Uni-Servo - Dacromet - 10" - Left/Right - 3.5K # AKUBRK-35-D
Hydraulic Brake Kit - Uni-Servo - Free Backing - Dacromet - 10" - Left/Right Hand - 3,500 lbs # AKFBBRK-35-D
Both of these have a Dacromet coating, so they will do a good job of resisting corrosion, which is ideal for boat trailers. The difference will be the free backing part. If you have a lockout on your surge coupler, you will not need that. If you do not have a lockout, free backing brakes allow you to back up without the brakes engaging, so they do make backing up a lot easier.
What kind of boat are you towing?
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Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Hydraulic Trailer Brakes - Uni-Servo - 10" - Left/Right - 3,750 lbs
- Trailer Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- Standard Grade
- Manual Adjust
- Single Servo
- 10 x 2-1/4 Inch Drum
- 3750 lbs Axle
- 14 Inch Wheel
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- Dexter
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Chad
9/1/2025
The boat is a 1986 Baja force 250 with mercruiser 454.It is a older surge brake system that does not have a electrical lockout.I have no idea how it locks itself out when trying to back up.I just bought it and having to fix the brakes.Previous owner ripped out a brake line and kept using it without brakes.After fixing the hard lines I took off the drums to inspect and parts fell out.So it needs all new brakes.Bit like I said it doesn't have a electrical lockout.