Is It Safe To Add Electric Brakes To A Boat Trailer

Question:

Can I put electric brakes on my boat trailer?

asked by: Jim L

Expert Reply:

Sure you can! A lot of boat trailer manufacturers put electric brakes on their trailers without any issues. We do recommend disconnecting the trailer wiring from the vehicle before backing into water just to err on the side of caution.

In the past a lot of trailer companies only used hydraulic brake assemblies on boat trailers because water and electricity don't mix well. However, a lot of components to trailer brake installation have improved over the years such as the casing on wiring and as long as you use heat shrink butt connectors like part # DW05745-10 to seal up your connections, you wont have any issues.

To get the correct electric brakes you need to know your axle's weight capacity and your brake mounting flange's bolt pattern. If you do not have a brake mounting flange on the axle, you would need to add one. You will also need a brake controller. If you let me know your vehicle's year, make, model and more information on your trailer I can help you get electric brakes on your boat trailer.

expert reply by: Heather A