Parts Needed To Add Electric Brakes To A Boat Trailer

Question

Question:

I have a boat trailer from the early 90s with a square tube axle 2 inches wide, 82 1/2 inside from inside 4 bolt flange to flange and 71 1/2 from center of spring to center of spring mount. I need to replace this axle as it is rusted through at the leaf spring mount on one side. I would like to change it to electric brakes, can you help?

asked by: Kevin W

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Expert Reply:

Adding brakes to your boat trailer is definitely possible, but it will require a few things. First and foremost, you will need to change to a round axle. Square axles typically are not designed to have brakes installed on them, so there will not be a way to stay with it. Since your axles is in a bad way and needing replacement anyway, this is definitely good timing.

With that said, I recommend going with the Dexter Trailer Axle # T3584F-EZ-8974. The width measurement for the flanges is almost spot on (82-5/8"), but the spring seats will measure 74" from center to center, so they will need to be removed. The # TRSS238 spring seats will then need to be welded on at the correct locations. As this is a round axle, you will also need to change to the U-Bolt Kit # APUBR-1. I do also need to note that the hubs/drums are not included and you will need two of the # 84546UC3-EZ hub/drums, which have a 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern. If you have 4 bolt wheels, they will need to be upgraded to match the hubs/drums as well. The # 23-26-27 electric brakes and # BRKH10B mounting hardware will complete the axle.

Now for some electrical parts. You will of course need to wire the brakes up and having the Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit # HS381-9000 makes this significantly easier. This includes a 7 Way plug so you will not need to add this on. You will also need a break away system, like the Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit # 20099, which will engage the brakes automatically if the trailer every becomes disconnected from the vehicle. You will of course need various lengths of wiring and butt connectors to complete this.

The last thing you will need to do is upgrade the connector on your vehicle to a 7 Way and add a brake controller. If you already have these, you will be good to go.

expert reply by: Lazer S

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Answer 1

Traditionally, trailer manufacturers did not use electric brakes on boat trailers because the brake magnet wiring and trailer wiring did not always have the best insulation or water protection. These days, more and more manufacturers are using…

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Answer 2

In order to add electric brakes to a 2001 ShoreLand'r Boat Trailer with 2960 GAWR you'll need the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly part #84546UC3 and Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Kit part #23-26-27. Please note, there will need…

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Answer 3

The clamp of the Curt Breakaway kit part #C52026 that you referenced is 3 inches wide and 1-1/2 inches tall. It would work well on a 2 inch wide frame rail.

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Answer 4

While tinned wiring is the norm when it comes to interior wiring on boats, boat trailers see a minimal amount of water compared to the actual boats. They do use a tin coating on the pins that are the parts of a wiring harness like the Wesbar 5-Pole…

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Answer 5

Actually, the P3 now has the upgraded axis accelerometer like the P2. The Tekonsha P3 Trailer Brake Controller #90195, will work with both electric over hydraulic brakes on the trailer as well as electric brakes. It has a menu option on the display…

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Answer 6

Adjusting the P2, #90885, is easy. Once you have it mounted according to the instructions, linked for reference, you will beginning setting up the power output. To do this take the truck and trailer to a flat level surface. Set the controller to 6…

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Answer 7

We have the bearing kit part #BK3-100 that is designed for Dexter 6k trailer axles like yours. This comes with new bearings and a seal. I attached an install video that shows a trailer hub getting rebuilt for you to check out as well.

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Answer 8

The manual lockout on your Atwood 85778 surge brake coupler is there so that you can back up the trailer without the brakes locking up on you. Yes you can safely tow your trailer with the broken manual lockout, you just have to make sure you…

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Answer 9

From what I could find it looks like your 122R (red) and 122Y (amber) lights measure 3.75" x 1.70" x .81". We don't have any replacement lense directly for the GLO-BRITE lights but we do have some similar lights that you could use…

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Answer 10

I would be happy to help you set up your 2022 Toyota Highlander to haul your new travel trailer. The wiring harness you currently have controls your trailer's lighting functions only. You do not need to rewire your Toyota you just need another…

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Answer 11

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 12

Since Demco uses 3,500 drum brake assemblies part #DMSB24429M and #DMSB24428M what you'd need is similar 3,500 electric brake assemblies like the etrailer part #AKEBRK-35L-SA for the left hand side and #AKEBRK-35R-SA for the right hand side. To…

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Parts Needed To Add Electric Brakes To A Boat Trailer

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