Are Electric Trailer Brakes Okay to Use on a Boat Trailer

Question

Question:

Are these brakes part # 23-468 Ok for a boat trailer? thanks

asked by: John F

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

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 assuming there is a 4-bolt brake mounting flange welded to the axle. The compatible right hand brake assembly is part # AKEBRK-35R-SA.

If you choose to install electric brakes on your boat trailer, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. First, make sure all of your splices and wires are sealed so water cannot make its way into the wires and cause shorts or corrosion build up. Second, I strongly recommend unplugging the trailer wiring from the vehicle before backing into the water and not plugging them back in until the trailer has had a chance to dry.

Finally, electric trailer brakes are actuated with a brake controller that would be installed in the cab of the vehicle as well as a 5, 6 or 7-way style trailer connector if you do not already have one. If you do not have a brake controller, I would recommend looking at the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, # 90885. If you would like some recommendations on trailer wiring for your tow vehicle, let me know the year, make and model of your vehicle and what type of trailer wiring you currently have installed.

I have attached a trailer wiring FAQ for you to check out that talks about how electric trailer brakes are wired and the different trailer connectors. I have also attached FAQ articles on parts needed to add electric or hydraulic brakes to a trailer.

expert reply by: John H

1

Clifford G.

11/10/2021

Do you ship Trailer Brake Hubs & Brake assemblies to Australia. Do you have distributer in Brisbane Qld Austraila. Thanks

Reply

Les D.

11/15/2021

@CliffordG We do not ship to Australia, nor do we have a distributor there. You might look into a freight forwarder for this need.

Reply

Answer 1

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 2

On each individual electric brake magnet the amperage draw would be 3.0 to 3.2 max amps at 12 to 13 volts on 7-inch brake magnets and 3.2 to 4.0 max amps at 12 to 13 volts on 10 and 12-inch brake magnets. The max amperage draw for the brake magnets…

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Answer 3

3500 lb axles have the most common and most consistent spindle sizes. They are typically 1.73 inches at the seal, 1.38 inches at the inner bearing and 1.06 inches at the outer bearing like #TRU24FR. I've attached a video to assist. I've…

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Answer 4

Yes, the strap on the #315-W3200D can be installed so that it comes from the bottom instead of the top. However, doing so will reverse the switch and the direction you turn the handle for operation. The self-locking mechanism will work either way.…

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Answer 5

People do use electric brakes on a boat trailer but it is not the best idea to do so because of the volatile relationship between water and electricity. You will need to make sure and unplug the trailer from the tow vehicle before submerging the…

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Answer 6

Yes, electric brakes can be used on boat trailers. The brakes will not be damaged by going in and out of the water. Electric brakes are designed to hold up in all weather conditions because they have an E-coating that help prevent corrosion on most…

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Answer 7

In most cases Loctite is not required when installing a trailer hitch, but it would not be a bad idea. I suggest using the Loctite Blue Stick Threadlocker, #LT37643, which will provide a secure grip and protect against water and grime.

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Answer 8

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 9

I am not aware of a bolt-on version of the Buyers Products Weld-On Safety Chain Retainer part #3375471000. However, if all you were wanting to do is mount your safety chains to the tongue of your trailer then you will just simply do so by running a…

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Answer 10

The linked page displays all 2-inch ball couplers that bolt on to a 3-inch trailer tongue. Some do use the same 3-inch hole spacing, such as Titan #T4845000 and the Fulton #F223000301, but other hole patterns are included on some couplers, such as…

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Answer 11

Yes, the CE Smith Double U-Bolt Bolster and Swivel Bracket Assemblies #CE10192GA-4 will work as replacements, and you're definitely doing the right thing in replacing them due to the corrosion. You will need to use the CE Smith U-Bolts…

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Answer 12

Since you have a brake mounting flange on your boat trailer you could pretty easily install brakes on the trailer. Most likely the mounting flange is a 4 bolt flange (all 4 bolt flanges are the same), since your trailer is most likely not too heavy…

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Are Electric Trailer Brakes Okay to Use on a Boat Trailer

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