Recommendations To Use Brake Controller With Boat Trailer

Question:

Hello, I am considering converting my boat trailer from hydraulic to electric brakes as my truck has a brake controller built in. Any Ideas if this will work reliably in a marine environment? Freshwater only, no salt environments. Thanks

asked by: Cliff

Helpful Expert Reply:

Yes. Electric brakes can work fine on boat trailers. I recommend using components that are galvanized or otherwise more protected and unplugging your trailer from the electrical connection before backing into the water to unload or load.

You can use the junction box kit # HS381-9000 to make these connections, but again, disconnect before submersion to prevent electrical damage. You can use # 10-2-1 to wire your brakes on each side of your trailer. Let me know the size of your axle if you'd like brake assembly recommendations or hub/drum assembly recommendations.

Another option is to use an electric over hydraulic brake actuator and keep your current components. All the parts you need for this are found ing the HydraStar Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator w/ Breakaway and 7-Way RV Harness - 1,000 psi # HS381-9065. If you only want the actuator, you can use # HS381-8065.

expert reply by: Jason S