Should Electric Brakes Be Used on a Boat Trailer
Question:
I want to purchase a bunk style trailer for a 2900 lb 25 ft pontoon boat for use in freshwater. I will tow a LOT through the Appalachian mountains and will need some serious braking for portions or for emergencies when a yahoo pulls out in front of me. I currently have a tekonsha primus IQ brake controller and weight distributing hitch if needed for my 2014 VW Touareg TDI diesel. I was considering a Loadrite trailer, but cant seem get the local dealer to understand that a hydraulic surge braking system just will not be enough. Can you teach me about my options?
asked by: Janet Y
Expert Reply:
Electric brakes are typically NOT used on boat trailers because water and electricity don't work well together. But what you could do is use an electric over hydraulic braking system. With this set up the tow vehicle will use the electric brake controller (but the Primus is not compatible) to control an actuator on the trailer that, in turn, will control hydraulic drum or disc brakes (depending on how the trailer is set up).
I have included a couple of links that explain everything needed to add electric over hydraulic drum or disc brakes to a trailer.
For a compatible brake controller I recommend either the P2, # 90885, or the P3, # 90195. The cost of an electric over hydraulic set up is much more than regular surge brakes. Surge brakes on a boat trailer remain the ideal solution.
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 >
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 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
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Right Hand - 6,000 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- RH
- 6000 lbs
- Brake Assembly
- Self Adjust
- 12 x 2 Inch Drum
- Dexter
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Most Popular Wheel Bearings
- Q&A: Dexter Brake Assembly Recommendations to Replace Part Number 023-357-00
- Q&A: Correct Replacement Shroud for a Coleman 8633-8766 RV AC
- Q&A: Replacement Brake Assemblies for Dexter 023-358-00 Trailer Brakes
- Q&A: Correct Replacements for Dexter 023-359-00 Left Hand and 023-360-00 Right Hand Braking Assemblies
- Q&A: Correct Replacement Brakes for a Dexter 23-459-01 and 23-458-01
- Q&A: Will Trailer Wiring 7-way Upgrade Kit HS381-9000 Fit Trailer With Only 6 Wires?
- Q&A: Meaning of MTI Number On Dexter Hub and Drum Assembly
- Article: Pewag Snow Tire Chains
- Article: Best Ladder Racks
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Testing Trailer Brake Magnets for Proper Function
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Top 10 Upgrades for Your Camper