Adding Brake Assemblies To A 2010 Triton Bass Boat Trailer

Question:

I have a 2010 triton bass boat and trailer. When I bought it I noticed it had no brakes trailer buddy surge tongue is there but no discs or drums on it. When pulling it with my truck I can barely notice but I want to add brakes to it. I am thinking of converting it to electric. Is that a good idea or bad idea. If I did it do I need to do both axels or just one axel? Is there a new tongue I need?

asked by: Michael

Expert Reply:

Electric brakes typically aren't recommended since water and electricity don't mix well but people use electric brakes on boat trailers all the time. To start you'll need a brake flange on the axle to mount the brake assembly to. If your axle doesn't have a brake flange then you'll need to purchase a new axle since it would cost more to have it professionally weld on than a new axle.

Once you have a have a brake flange we'll then need to know the capacity of the axle to find the correct capacity brake assembly. If your axle tag is missing from the axle the you can measure the diameter with a set of calipers # PTW80157 to determine the capacity. You'll also need to remove your idler hubs and measure the spindle at points B, C, and D so that we can find a compatible hub/drum based on the bearings and grease seal. We'll also need to know the bolt pattern for your wheels so we can match the hub to fit.

From there you'll need a junction box & 7-way # e99011 to connect the trailer to the tow vehicle. You'll run 10 AWG wire # 10-1-1 from the junction box to each braking assembly and use heat shrink butt connectors # DW05745-10 for a waterproof connection. You'll also tie your tail light wiring into the junction box and need to install a breakaway battery and switch # 3802337.

Your tow vehicle would then need a a 7-way socket and brake controller in order to activate the brakes on the trailer. Once you have the information on your spindle and axle capacity I'd be happy to find the correct components for you. If your tow vehicle doesn't have a 7-way or brake controller then let me know the year/make/model and I'd be happy to find the correct parts for this as well. With how low capacity your boat trailer is you could get away with just adding brakes to one axle and would just choose whichever axle handles the majority of the load, which in your case would likely be the rear since the motor is likely the heaviest component.