Parts Needed To Convert 1990 Shorlander Boat Trailer That Has Surge Brakes

Updated 10/02/2025 | Published 09/25/2025

Question:

Hello, I have a 1990 shorelander boat trailer that has surge brakes. The scale weight of the trailer is 1340lbs and the boat is a 25 ft wellcraft weighs about 4100 lbs I would like to replace the surge brake system with electric or EOH. Which ever is more economical. Could you give me the parts number or the whole kit number. Thank you

asked by: Lonnie

Expert Reply:

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 right direction, but there is no way to look up your trailer to know exactly what hubs will fit.

If you can provide me with the casting number from one of your hubs, I should be able to use that to pull up your hub and bearing info. Otherwise, you would need to remove a hub and get the bearing numbers or measure each bearing ID with a caliper.

Since you are doing away with the surge brakes, you will need to either replace the surge brake coupler or disable it. If the surge actuator is bolted on, it can easily be replaced. If it is welded on you can have a shop cut it off, or you can disable it by welding or bolting the inner member in place.

Get me that casting number or bearing info. Also let me know if they are drum of disc brakes currently. Then I can provide you with a complete list of parts you will need.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Lonnie

9/25/2025

We're will i find the numbers on the hub?

Jesse M.

9/26/2025

@Lonnie Brake drums should have a casting number right on the front. Should be clearly visible once the wheel is removed. It is typically a sequence of 4 or 5 numbers

Lonnie

10/1/2025

@JesseM # off rear bearing looks like LC563149

Lonnie

10/1/2025

@JesseM How do insert a photo? Because I am not really sure on number

See All (6) Replies to Lonnie ∨

Lonnie

9/25/2025

Also it has drum brakes

Jesse M.

9/26/2025

@Lonnie Ok perfect. That actually makes switching to electric drum brakes a lot easier since you should be able to re-use the current drums as long as they are still in good shape. Get me that casting number and we will be almost there.

Lonnie

10/2/2025

@JesseM That is the inner bearing. I cannot find a casting # on the drum.

Jesse M.

10/2/2025

@Lonnie Is the inside of the drum a 10" diameter? Assuming your drums and bearings are still in good condition, you could re use those. If you are needing new hydraulic brake assemblies those would be part # AKFBBRK-35-D for the 10" drum. From there you would just need to add an EOH actuator like part # HBA-12 and wire the trailer with a 7-way, preferably using a junction box like part # e99011. Then disable/replace the surge actuator. If you want to switch to electric, those brakes are part # AKEBRK-35-SA for the 10" drum. Then you could use the same junction box # e99011 and wire everything up. Then you would just need some 10 or 12 gauge wire for your brakes and lights. If you are wanting to replace the drums, the typical 10" hub/drum to go with this is part # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K. This uses the # L68149 (1.378" inner diameter) inner bearing and # L44649 (1.063" inner diameter) outer bearing. The hub bolt pattern is 5 on 4-1/2" so please verify this matches what you have. You will also need to make sure your tow vehicle has a 7-way and a brake controller that is compatible with EOH brakes. The Tekonsha P3 # 90195 is what I recommend for that. If you do the electric brakes, you will also need an electric breakaway kit like part # 3802346. Let me know if you have any questions. You may find these articles helpful:

Helpful Links

faq-adding-electric-drum-brakes.aspx

faq-adding-electric-over-hydraulic-drum-brakes.aspx