Can Electric Brakes be Used on Boat Trailer

Question:

I read the expert reply regarding electric brakes on a boat trailer, I was wondering the if the electric brake system would still activate when submerged in water... I was told it would and its a life saver backing down a boat ramp. Also are there any concerns about the amount of electricity output that may occur if a person is in the water near the trailer while its brakes are submerge and activated.

asked by: J.G.

Expert Reply:

At one point electric brakes were not recommended at all for boat trailers as water and electricity don't mix. In recent years though trailer manufacturers have started putting electric brakes on their boat trailers and the result has been that they fit and work well. The key is to make sure there are no shorts on the wiring and you'll be good. We normally would recommend unplugging the wiring before backing into the water as a precaution but there are a lot of people who use the brakes with the trailer submerged and have no issue.

expert reply by: Jameson C