Should Older Boat with Non-Functioning Hydraulic Brakes go to Electric Brakes

Question:

hello, just picked up a boat and trailer 1978. trailer missing master cylinder, and a few other brake parts. It is a dual axel trailer with brakes on rear axel, not sure of gvrw, boat and trailer around 4000 pounds. I was thinking to just replacing with electric brakes, not sure if a good idea or not?

asked by: John B

Expert Reply:

Replacing the hydraulic brake setup of your trailer to an electric setup would be what I would do. The install is easier, the parts cost less, and you end up with braking performance that's adjustable. Basically what you'll end up doing is removing the brake assemblies on the brake axle, the brake lines, and either locking out your current coupler or replacing it with a fixed coupler.

I attached a link to a help article that covers everything you'll need to do and the entire process but first thing you'll want to do is pull off the brake hubs and measure the diameter of the drum and the width. With that we can pick you out the correct assemblies. Most likely your drum is 12 inch by 2 inch which for that you'd want the # AKEBRK-7-SA for a set that matches that and is self-adjusting.

For wiring you'll want to go with 10 gauge wire like part # 10-1-1 which we sell by the foot.

expert reply by: Jameson C