Can Electric Brakes Be Used On a Boat Trailer?  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

Great question. The answer is that you can use electric brakes on a boat trailer and more boat trailer manufacturers are starting to use them because it has been proven to work. The reason why it was not considered an option for many years was because water and electricity obviously don't mix well. The solution was better connectors for the wiring and then simply disconnecting the trailer wiring from the vehicle when loading or launching your boat. The experts most likely answered based on the information available to them at the time.

Electric brakes are often less expensive and easier to install while giving the user more options for control. This has made electric brakes on boat trailers popular now.

If you choose to add these brakes, I recommend the Electric Trailer Brake Kit - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 3,500 lbs # AKEBRK-35-SA for most boat trailers but you will need to confirm size. I also recommend the heat shrink connectors # DW05745-5 and # 10-2-1 wire.

You will of course need an electric trailer brake controller like # 90195 which I believe is the best on the market at a reasonable price. It is adjustable and easy to use with the LCD screen which takes code deciphering of most brake controllers out of the equation. The presets are easy to use and great for novice to professional users.

Let me know if you have further questions.

expert reply by: Jason S

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