How Many Sets of Electric Trailer Brakes For Tandem 3,500 lb Axles When Converting From Hydraulic

Question

Question:

I have an EZLoader boat trailer for my 23.5 foot boat total loaded weight is approximately 6,000 lbs. The trailer is currently equipped with tandem 3,500 lb axles and both axles have hydraulic brakes that are shot and that I actually hate pulling with. I was a bit surprised that both axles had brakes as I was always of the understanding that a set of brakes on the front axle was sufficient. When I replace them, do I need a set of electric brakes on both axles? Is there a set that you would recommend that may be better for marine applications? I also need to install a new non-hydraulic coupler 2 inch ball, 3 inch channel if you have any recommendations on those as well for marine applications. Thank you!

asked by: Aaron T

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Expert Reply:

Excellent questions, and let's start with your query about having brakes on both axles. The answer is that you do indeed want to have brakes on both of your 3,500 lb tandem axles. The reason is because just one set of 3,500 lb brakes won't have the stopping power required for a trailer that weighs 5,000 or 6,000 lbs, and also just one set of brakes will also wear out very quickly as they'll be overworked for the load they are rated for.

So for the best stopping power and safest way to tow, we always recommend adding brakes to both axles on tandem axle trailers. For 3,500 lb axles the best option for electric brakes is from Dexter:

- Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Kit # 23-468-469

The reason to go with the Dexter brakes is not only are they of the highest quality, but unlike other options, they come with all of the mounting hardware needed to install. Along with the brakes, there are some other parts you will need (if you don't have them) since you are going from hydraulic to electric brakes, namely a breakaway kit, junction box and 7-way connector. What you can use are the following parts:

- Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit with Built-In Battery Charger # 20400

- Trailer Wiring Junction Box - 7 Terminal # 3375601100

- Hopkins 7-Way RV Style Connector - 8 ft. # H20046

- 10 Gauge Primary Wire - Red - per Foot # DW02508-1

- Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connectors - 12-10 Gauge # DW05745-10

Finally, you mentioned a replacement trailer coupler, and there is a standard coupler for a 2 inch hitch ball that mounts to a 3 inch channel which is perfect for marine applications, which is from Demco:

- Demco Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler # DM15945

I really like this coupler because it is a bolt-on coupler has a simple latch system called eZ-Latch where you just drop the coupler onto the hitch ball and you're set. It also has zinc plating and a 200-hour salt spray for awesome corrosion resistance. The only other thing you may want with this is a lock, the Surge Brake Coupler Lock # e98887.

expert reply by: Kyle S

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Answer 1

Yes, I do have the exact dimensions you need of the Demco Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler part #DM15945. I have attached these for you below.

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Answer 2

It isn&#39;t a problem. The battery box in Engager breakaway system #20099 is not meant to be sealed. This particular unit was designed so that the display on the box is facing up. It doesn&#39;t have to be but because of this design…

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Answer 3

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 4

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 5

The manual lockout on your Atwood 85778 surge brake coupler is there so that you can back up the trailer without the brakes locking up on you. Yes you can safely tow your trailer with the broken manual lockout, you just have to make sure you…

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Answer 6

There really isn't a particular maximum trailer weight that is used to determine when brakes need to be added to both axles of a tandem axle setup. While I do still recommend checking your local laws, I am also not aware of any general laws…

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Answer 7

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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Answer 8

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…

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Answer 9

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 10

Thank you for providing the specs for the suspension components that you already have. Correct hanger spacing really depends on the components being used such as springs, hangers and equalizers. Most of the hanger spacing dimensions that we have…

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Answer 11

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 12

I am sorry I don't have any tires that are going to fit your rim. I do have a couple of comparable size tires that come in a wheel tire combo. I have listed the two below along with their lug patterns. 5 on 4-1/2 Lug Pattern - Kenda…

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