How to Convert a Boat Trailer w/ Surge Brakes to Electric Brakes?

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Question:

I need to convert a boat trailer from surge brakes and not sure exactly what all is needed.

asked by: Ben J

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Expert Reply:

To convert your trailer from surge to electric brakes you are going to need a new set of brake assemblies that match the brake flange on your boat trailer. The Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Kit - 12" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 6,000 lbs item # 23-105-106 have a 5 bolt mounting flange and fit 12" hubs. These would be a great start but you will want to ensure they are the same size as your current brakes. You will need to look inside your hubs as well. If your hubs have casting holes inside then you will need to replace them as well. Electric brakes need a smooth surface to attach to when the magnet is engaged or the brakes will not stop your trailer.

You will need enough 10 Gauge Wire item # 10-1-1 to run to your brake assemblies. The wiring can be spliced and does not need an individual wire from the junction box to each brake.

Next you will need a Trailer Breakaway Kit item item # 50-85-313. This will activate the trailer brakes in the event of a disconnect and is required by law. Since your trailer likely only has a 4-way or 5-way connector you will need a 7-Way RV-Style Trailer Connector w/ Molded Cable item # A10-7W6 and Trailer Wiring Junction Box item # 38656 to run all the additional wiring that will be required. The 7-way will wire into this box and you can run the existing 4-way wiring into the box as this makes for much better connections than trying to splice all the wiring in line on the harness with butt connectors. This will also protect your wires from the elements and moisture.

You will also need several Ring Terminals item # DW05740-1, item # DW05737-1 to connect your wiring inside the junction box and Butt Connectors item # DW05744-5, item # DW05745-10 to make any electrical connections outside of the junction box. And a fixed coupler to replace your surge brake coupler.

And finally you will also need to add an electric brake controller to your 2013 Ford F-150. I recommend the Tekonsha P3 item # 90195.

expert reply by: Jerred H

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Answer 1

A 12 inch, 6-lug hub is going to be a 6,000 lb axle, so the correct electric brakes are the following, and you can choose from manual adjust or self-adjust (Nev-R-Adjust) brakes: - Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Kit - 12" - Left and Right Hand…

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Answer 2

Hydraulic systems are preferred on boat trailers because water and electricity do not mix well. The hydraulic surge brake system is self contained on the trailer and the only connection to the vehicle is the reverse lockout switch that is powered…

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Answer 3

Thank you for including images, this was a great help to me understanding what you will need to do to equip your trailer with electric brakes. The best thing for you to do is to immobilize the surge coupler. To do this you can weld the inner part of…

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Answer 4

In order to choose the correct replacement axle for your boat trailer you will need to know the dimensions of your current axle's hub face to hub face and spring center to spring center as in the diagram I have added; the other thing you need to…

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Answer 5

We do have all the parts you will need but they are not available as a complete kit. First you will need to decide if you would like to install the Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Kit #23-105-106 that includes left and right brake assemblies for one…

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Answer 6

You will want to confirm but the Titan hubs on your boat trailer could possibly be compatible with electric brakes. You will want to inspect the inner surface. If it is flat and smooth you can use it for electric brakes. For your brakes you are going…

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Answer 7

I have added a link to a help article on everything you need to replace (or add) hydraulic drum brakes, but let's start with the actuator. What you need to know is the weight capacity you need, the hitch ball size you are coupling to, and the…

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Answer 8

There is a coupler lock for your Titan Brake Actuator #T2477600 with a 2-5/16" ball. The Master Lock #ML389DAT uses a 1-piece housing to fit securely around the coupler, has a powder coat to resist corrosion and comes with a pair of keys.…

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Answer 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

If you are going to back your trailer in the water while it is still connected to the tow vehicle, you will need it to be waterproof. Whether or not it is water proof depends on the trailer, the construction, how it is wired, and if the taillight…

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How to Convert a Boat Trailer w/ Surge Brakes to Electric Brakes?

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