Converting a Hymer Touring GT Camper from Surge to Electronically Controlled Brakes

Question:

Hymer made about 200 Touring GTs before bankruptcy. I believe they all left the factory with Lippert torsion axles and Atwood ? surge brake couplers. The Canadian dealer selling the remaining inventory has been updating their new trailers with electronically controlled brakes. Id like to do the same for mine and would like to know the options and which would be best, most cost effective?

asked by: John T

Expert Reply:

In all honesty the best trailer braking system is hydraulic brakes that are activated by an electric brake controller via an Electric-Over-Hydraulic (EOH) Actuator like the HydraStar # HBA-10 for drum brakes or # HBA16 for disc brakes. By using an EOH actuator (and locking out your surge coupler) you will keep the power of the hydraulic braking system and couple it with the accuracy of a brake controller. One of the best brake controllers for this application is the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195. If you choose to go this route let me know the year/make/model of your tow vehicle and I can let you know what you'd need to install the P3.

If you'd rather convert everything over to electric then that is possible as well. With this option you need to lock out the surge coupler as well and then just swap out your current brakes with electric drum brakes. From what I could find you should have a 3,500 lb axle so you just need the drum brakes # AKEBRK-35-SA, 10 Gauge Wire # 10-1-1 (sold by the foot), a breakaway kit like the Hopkins Engager # 20400, and a 7-Way like what comes with the junction box # HS381-9000 if you don't already have one on your Hymer Touring GT trailer. You could still use the P3 in this application.

Attached are some helpful articles that you can reference on both subjects as well.