Parts Needed to Swap a Trailer With Surge Brakes to Electric Brakes
Question:
My EZLoader trailer has two of the 2” square 3700 lb axles. I would like to ditch the hydraulic surge brakes and add electric brakes instead. The backing plate flanges have a 4 hole rectangular pattern. Is the and electric brake kit that will fit these axles?
asked by: John P
Expert Reply:
In order to swap your surge brakes to electric over hydraulic, you're going to need to change out your actuator and add a proper brake controller.
For an actuator I'd recommend going with the Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Drum Brakes # HBA-10 if you have drums, or # HBA16 for discs.
From here, you'll need a brake controller. I recommend checking out the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller # 90195. This brake controller will work great with electric brakes, can control up to 4 axles, and has a quick disconnect feature which lets you remove and store it when not in use.
The last thing you need to check out is your current actuator. There's a good chance that since you're swapping from surge to electric that you have an actuating coupler. Since the coupler won't be actuating anymore, I recommend locking it out or replacing it with a standard coupler. Once you've got that situated, you'll just need to run the brake lines that were going to the actuating coupler to the electric actuator.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LCD Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Drum Brakes - 1,000 psi
- Brake Actuator
- Electric-Hydraulic Brake Actuator
- 1000 psi
- Drum Brakes
- Hydrastar
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes - 1,600 psi
- Brake Actuator
- Electric-Hydraulic Brake Actuator
- 1600 psi
- Disc Brakes
- Hydrastar
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Video: Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 20127
- Q&A: Replacement Surge Brake Actuator For 2009 Ranger Trail Trailer With Tandem Axles
- Search Results: 12" hub
- Search Results: brake controller
- Search Results: break away tongue
- Search Results: brake controller wiring adapter
- Search Results: breakaway
- Search Results: 20127
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Drum Brakes - 1,000 psi
- Shop: Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Right Hand - 6,000 lbs
- Shop: Curt Echo Under-Dash Bluetooth Brake Controller w/ OneControl App - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - GM
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K
- Shop: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar for Hitch Accessories - 2" Hitches
- Video: Custer LED Safety Light Review
- Search Results: wireless trailer lights
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Q&A: Can Electric Brakes be Used on a Boat Trailer
- Q&A: Converting Trailer from Surge Brakes to Electric Brakes
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch