Options for Adding Brakes to Tandem Axle Sailboat Trailer

Question:

I have a tandem axle sailboat trailer with 4bolt rims and 205/65/10 tires and want to know if I can put electric disc brakes on it using my existing axles. I will need to weld brake mounting brackets to the square axle. Can you help me out . Thanks

asked by: Tim H

Helpful Expert Reply:

The trailer disc brakes we offer are the hydraulic type as they don't make an electric disc brake. This will use a surge brake actuating coupler or an electric over hydraulic actuator.

We also offer electric drum brakes, which are seeing more and more use as the preferred OEM option due to their simpler installation (than hydraulic systems) and their lower overall cost. Even though water and electricity do not mix well, many boat trailer makers now specify electric drum brakes; the key to safe operation is unplugging the trailer harness before you back the trailer into the water.

You may care to check out the two articles I have linked for you. One covers the parts needed and the considerations for installing electric drum brakes while the other covers the same concerns for installing electric-over-hydraulic disc brakes. These are hydraulic brakes that are actuated by an electric-over-hydraulic actuator like # HBA16. This unit takes in the electrical signal from a brake controller like the Prodigy P3 # 90195 and turns that into hydraulic pressure that engages brakes like those in the Titan disc kit referenced above. Each article covers the whole picture of what is needed, including product links.

Please note that brake flanges MUST be welded on perfectly straight and concentric or you'll run into problems with trailer tracking, tire wear, etc. You'll need to find a qualified welder with the proper jigs to do this; it is not a typical DIY type of project.

For this reason we also offer axles that come complete with brakes, flanges, and hub/drums. These are available in both the standard axle beam type like kit # e43SR and also in the axle-less type that are easier to install and that provide more ground clearance, like # A35RS545E.

We do offer some hub/drums in your 4-on-4 bolt pattern and these are rated for 2200-lb axles. An example is part # 8-173-16UC3 which works with 7 x 1-1/4-inch electric brakes like right-hand # 23-48 and left-hand # 23-47.