Adding Brakes to a Trailer, who has used Electric/Hydraulic?

[Fred Villiard]

Re: Adding Brakes to a Trailer, who has used Electric/Hydrau

I've towed a 10k pound sportfisherman, over 30 years, ~ 100k miles using electro over hydraulic disc brakes, on both axels. I would not use anything else, no problems, just routine maintaince, packing bearings anually, flushing brake fluid every 3 years, brake pads twice,and flush with fresh water every time it is dunked.

The best feature is that you can actuate the brakes indipenadnt of the tow vehcile, very helpfull on long down grades, wet and icey conditions.

A bit expensive at first but worth it if you tow any amount.

 

[monkeybars]

I am towing a Precision 21 with a Durango. The weight of the boat with trailer is approximately 2500 lbs. The axle is new and has the backing plates needed to add brakes. I've towed campers with surge brakes. Our current camper has electric brakes so I have a controller installed and like being able to adjust them. Looking at my options, installing electic brakes on a boat trailer that will see salt water is asking for trouble, can anyone confirm this? Surge brakes would require cutting the existing hitch off and bolting on a new one but they seem to be more reliable in salt water. So I am also looking at another type of brakes that have an electronic controller hooked to hydraulic brakes. Does anyone have experience with these and how well do they work?

total weight boat and trailer of 2500 pounds would seem kinda ridiculous to waste money on trailer brakes wouldn't it. But maybe your towing with one of those little smart cars??????