Can Boat Trailers have Electric Brakes

Question:

i would like to convert my surge brakes to electric brakes. The trailer is used do bring boat docks in and out of the water. Can electric brakes be used if the trailer is backed into water [like a boat trailer].

asked by: Tony F

Helpful Expert Reply:

While it used to be recommended that boat trailers never use electric brakes we are seeing more and more boat trailer manufacturers switch to electric brake assemblies without issue. If you have all of the wiring connections sealed properly in theory you would be totally fine. We still recommend people unplug their trailer wiring harnesses when backing into the water to help reduce the risk of shorts.

I attached a help article on adding electric brakes to a trailer. Basically you would just need to tell me what capacity axle you have and what the dimensions of the current assembly are.

expert reply by: Jameson C