Replacing Surge Brakes on Boat Trailer with Electric Brakes

Question

Question:

Hello. I have a 2007 Chevrolet Suburban. I have the electric brake control module as I have a pop-up camper. My boat trailer is a 2007 karavan dual axle and it has surge brakes that I am pretty sure do not work. What parts would it require to change everything out to electric brakes? If you absolutely still think electric brakes with modern technology is a mistake what parts would I need to replace the current setup. I think everything is shot probably including the actuator.

asked by: Scott L

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Expert Reply:

You can absolutely replace the surge brakes on your boat trailer with electric assemblies and wiring. As long as you make sure to unplug your connectors before launching the boat this is perfectly safe to do. More and more customers and even trailer manufacturers are starting to put electric brakes on boat trailers due to cost and updated technology as you mentioned.

In order to make this transition you will need new hub and drum assemblies if your current units aren't compatible with electric brakes, the brake assemblies themselves, and all the necessary wiring including a new 7-Way connector (assuming the boat trailer is currently equipped with a 4- or 5-Way connector).

The specific parts you need will depend on your trailer. If you can tell me your trailer's axle capacity, the hub size, and the inner and outer bearings that they use I will be happy to recommend the correct hub and brake assemblies. For wiring your best option will be to use the 7-Way Upgrade Kit # HS381-9000 that includes the 7-Way, wiring, and junction box with hardware.

I have attached a great article that goes into more detail on all of these components that you can also look through.

expert reply by: Chris R

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Answer 1

Hydraulic brakes are better suited for boat trailers for the simple fact that wires and water do not like to cooperate with each other, but the etrailer.com Self Adjusting Electric Trailer Brakes, #AKEBRK-35L-SA, can be used on a boat trailer…

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Answer 2

If you can give us the brand of the axle and the weight capacity, we can probably find everything you need. There are a few things to consider when converting the surge brakes to electric on your boat trailer. I have attached a helpful article that…

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Answer 3

When you back a surge brake trailer up a small incline, the weight of the trailer compresses the surge actuator which applies the trailer brakes. To prevent this from happening you can use free-backing brake assemblies that will provide a bit of…

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Answer 4

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 5

To determine the size of the hub assembly you need to purchase you have to determine which bearings are in the old assembly. If the old assembly has L44649 inner bearings, you would use the hub you chose #8-258-5UC1. If the inner bearings are marked…

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Answer 6

Hey Richard, thanks for reaching out! The Dexter DX7.5 Drop-N-Go Brake Actuator #099-175-00 is a great option for a replacement actuator because it's a direct replacement for the common Model 60 actuators that were popular in the '90s.…

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Answer 7

To determine the size of the brake assemblies you need you have to measure the depth and width of the hub drum on the axle like what you see in the picture I attached. The most common size is 2-1/4 inch wide like the #T4071600-500 that you…

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Answer 8

Traditionally, trailer manufacturers did not use electric brakes on boat trailers because the brake magnet wiring and trailer wiring did not always have the best insulation or water protection. These days, more and more manufacturers are using…

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Answer 9

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 10

To find the load capacity for your axle you should look on the trailer VIN plate or sticker that lists the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that…

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Answer 11

The torque for the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 6,000-lb and 7,000-lb Axles - 12" - 5 Spoke Utility #8-174-5UC3 is not specified by the manufacturer. For 9/16 inch studs, the typical lug nut torque will be 120-140 ft lbs based on most…

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Answer 12

I currently have three diffrent self-adjusting assemblies for your boat trailer with 10" x 2-1/4" electric drum brakes which are attached for you below. eTrailer Electric Trailer Brake Kit part #AKEBRK-35-SA (3,500 Axles) Dexter…

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