How To Add Brakes To a 3,500 Axle On Boat Trailer

Question:

Hi, I have a new tandem axle boat trailer with 10 wheels.= on 3500# axles and no brakes. The boat is a G3 21 pontoon. Trailered weight is about 4000-4500#. 1 Are brakes needed on such a rig. 2 If so, should they be electric or surge? Drum or disc? 3 Is there a relatively simple complete kit everything needed to add such brakes on one axle? 4 Are Dacromet coated sufficient or would I need stainless? I operate in mostly salt water areas of N. Florida and most tows are short distance to local ramps. ANY other info you can offer would be helpful. Thanks.

asked by: Austin T

Expert Reply:

It's actually pretty simple to add brakes to a trailer, especially if you already have a welded-on trailer brake mounting flange which should be present on all 3,500 lb axles. The easiest and most cost effective brakes to install are electric drum which contrary to popular belief can be used on a boat trailer even in saltwater. For this, I recommend the Electric Trailer Brake Kit part # AKEBRK-35-SA and Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly part # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K. Finally, you'd need the Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit part # 277-000141.

In regards to whether or not brakes or required, this can vary from state to state and are based on local regulations. That said, adding brakes reduces strain on the tow vehicle and helps increase safety.

expert reply by: Conner L