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

Question

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

0

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

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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

See All (9) Replies to Lonnie ∨

Answer 1

Hey Howard! Yes, I think the Replacement Inner Member for Dexter DX7.5L Brake Actuator #DX97FR will replace what you have. It has the same body, just a different coupler on the end, so it will line up in the old housing. If you want to save some…

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Answer 2

Absolutely, Tony. The DA75 Demco Drum Brake Actuator #DM28CV is a great match for drum brakes and is rated up to 7,500 lbs GTW. Its zinc-coated steel body handles freshwater conditions well too. Just check that your tongue is 3inch wide and that…

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Answer 3

For a disc brake actuator like the Demco #8608611 to work with drum brakes you need to replace the master cylinder otherwise the pressure will blowout the wheel cylinders on your drum brake assemblies. If you were to have this specific actuator then…

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Answer 4

Hey Dustin, thanks for reaching out! The only surefire way to know if your brakes are free backing or not is to hook your trailer up to your vehicle and back up. If your trailer tires lock up then you have standard hydraulic brakes and need the kit…

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Answer 5

Based off the VIN we don't have a way to look that up as we don't have access to that. What is your axle capacity and what is your wheel bolt pattern? If you can get me that I can help.

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Answer 6

Instead of using the Hydraulic Brake Kit #AKFBBRK-35-D which requires using 14"-16" wheels you should use the Dexter Galphorite Free-Backing Hydraulic Trailer Brake Assembly Right #T4423400 and Left #T4423500. These will fit with your…

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Answer 7

Hey Terrance, there's not much of a difference between the part #AKHD-545-35-EZ-K and the part #AKHD-545-35-K that you referenced aside from the style of grease cap that either has. The part number with EZ in it has a grease cap that has a…

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Answer 8

While I am unable to confirm this 100 percent most Shoerlander trailers with brakes use a surge coupler thus hydraulic brakes. For this application the Hydraulic Trailer Brake Kit - Uni-Servo - 10" part #AKUBRK-35 is a great replacement. If for…

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Answer 9

You are correct. We sell the assemblies as a pair as part #AKFBBRK-35-D or individually as part #AKFBBRK-35R-D and #AKFBBRK-35L-D.

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Answer 10

I reached out to Dexter and found that the UFP-HD-1877-10 fits a standard 3,500 lb axle. For a hub and drum replacement you can use the #AKHD-545-35-EZ-K or for a galvanized option #AKHD-545-35-G-EZ-K. Then for hydraulic drum brakes you can use the…

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Answer 11

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 12

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

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