Installing Electric Trailer Brakes on Triple Axle Boat Trailer

Question

Question:

Hello, I am trying to put together brand new set of electric breaks for my boat trailer. Trailer is brand new, 2022 15000 lb capacity, triple axle with 5000 torsional axles and 5 bold pattern of mounting flanges, 6 lug 15” wheels. Objective is to put together a complete electric breaking system on the trailer. I always was dealing with surge breaks, so electric breaks are totally new topic for me. The lake I am usually going to has very steep boat ramp. When ramp is wet, and I am backing my 4000 lb boat into the water, surge breaks obviously does not activate, hence the boat is pulling the truck down. Sometime truck wheels loosing the traction and boat is dragging the truck down the ramp which is very scary experience. I was wondering if electric breaks when truck is in Reverse gear while be backing the boat, will activate and help with breaking? I have another, bigger boat 7000lb with the trailer currently without any breaks is will be close to 9000 lb. I am afraid to take it with me on that ramp that is why I am thinking to equip this trailer with electric breaks. If the answer is YES, then I will need your help to put together a complete system. I will need: 1. 3x sets of breaking kits. I have found # 23-458-459 - 6000 lbs for $288.95. I have added pdf file containing pictures of the trailer axles to make sure the breaks will fit. 2. 3x sets of drums: is there any significant difference between # AKHD-655-6-EZ-K for $128.32 and # 8-201-9UC3-EZ for $216.61? Are these drums price is per pair or per single drum? 3. Jacketed cable: already have. 4. Break away kit: # 20400 $58.97 5. Break controller: Do I need one? I have F250 with break controller build in where I can adjust strength of the breaks. Please let me know if chosen items are the “right for the job”. One more question: I will be using the boat on fresh water lakes. Just in case: are those breaks are good for salt water as well? I have added pdf file containing pictures of the trailer axles to make sure the breaks will fit. I will really appreciate all the help. Thank you. Best regards,

asked by: Michal B

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Yes, electric trailer brakes work in both forward and reverse. The bonus with electric brakes is that you can also control them from inside the cab of the vehicle manually using the trailer brake controller so you can ride the brakes as hard as you want while reversing down the steep boat trailer ramp so you'll feel much safer. That said, you really shouldn't use them while submerged. I have attached for you below a list of parts you'll need for the swap as well.

Electric Trailer Brake Kit part # AKEBRK-7-SA
Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly part # AKHD-655-6-EZ-K
Junction Box # 3375601101
7-Way Connector # H20046
Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit part # 20400

If you already have a factory in-cab trailer brake controller then you can use this otherwise I recommend using the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller part # 90195. These brakes will work great in both fresh and salt water.

expert reply by: Conner L

1

Installing Electric Trailer Brakes on Triple Axle Boat Trailer
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Answer 1

To determine the correct air pressure for the tires on your Jayco trailer take a look at the sidewall. The tires should have the maximum psi listed. Trailer tires should always be inflated to the maximum psi indicated on the tire. This is because…

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Answer 2

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 3

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 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

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

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 7

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 that…

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Answer 8

Dexter makes module adapters to connect the BrakeRite #DX82KR to Ford and Chevy OEM controllers, but unfortunately does not for Ram so you'll need to install an aftermarket EOH brake controller. The OEM module adapters typically have a delayed…

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