Should Electric or Hydarulic Brakes be Used on a Boat Trailer

Question:

I have an ezloader trailer that has galvanized electric brake pads and backing plates. What can you suggest to replace them. Or should I converted over to hydraulic? This use is for saltwater application.

asked by: Sean N

Expert Reply:

For any marine application I strongly advise switching to hydraulic brakes. You cannot seal out water completely and at some point they are going to short out if you keep using electric brakes. To avoid that headache you can switch to hydraulic brakes.

There are a few parts you will need to make the switch:

The correct brake assemblies
Hub and Drum if yours are not hydraulic compatible
Actuator
Brake line kit

Or you could add disc brakes:
The correct rotor and hub assembly
Actuator
Brake line kit

I have included a couple of help articles that cover the parts needed to add either system.

The other option is to go with an electric over hydraulic system. You will still need the correct brake assemblies and a brake line kit but you will not need to change the coupler on the trailer. You will need an electric over hydraulic actuator though. I have included a couple more FAQs below on parts needed to add either electric over hydraulic drum or disc brakes.

Once you determine which course of action you want to take I will need to know the inner and outer bearing numbers stamped into the metal of the bearings, the wheel size, bolt pattern, and stud or lug nut size.