Electric Brakes For Boat Trailers: How Effective Are They?

Electric brakes on boat trailers are becoming more common as improvements in wiring insulation and heat shrink connectors have been made. Electric brakes offer more consistent braking than hydraulic surge brakes, which are affected by terrain and towing speed. They can also be manually activated for total control and are less affected by weather conditions. However, they require extra equipment like a controller and wiring, causing a higher upfront cost and install time. They also rely on the battery of the tow vehicle. On the other hand, surge brakes are easier to install, work automatically, and are often cheaper upfront due to their simplicity. However, they can be more expensive than electric brakes over time, and automatic braking causes heavy brake strain on slopes.

Electric brakes are more simple than surge brakes but require a brake controller

Electric brakes are more simple than surge brakes, but they require a brake controller in the cabin of the tow vehicle. Electric brakes use electromagnets to actuate the drum brakes, and you control the electricity to the brakes with the brake controller and the brake light circuit on your vehicle.

Electric brakes are more interactive and can be adjusted for the load being carried and manually applied if necessary. They also work better on slopes and rough terrain. They provide additional ease of use and additional braking control. For example, when descending hills, in high winds, or when being passed by large 18-wheelers, you can reach over and use the brake controller to apply a small amount of braking force if the trailer begins swaying.

Most trucks, vans, SUVs, and RVs made since the mid-1990s are set up to use an electronic trailer brake controller. These vehicles include a factory-installed "quick plug" under the dash that connects with a standard brake controller. Many pickup trucks made in the last 5 years even include a brake controller built into the dashboard, and absolutely no installation is required.

Surge brakes are automatic but cause heavy brake strain on slopes

Surge brakes are a common feature on boat trailers. They are automatic and do not require electricity to function. Instead, they rely on hydraulics and the trailer's natural momentum to activate the brakes. When the driver steps on the brake pedal in the tow vehicle, the trailer pushes against the hitch, which in turn presses a hydraulic cylinder. This action slows down the trailer.

While surge brakes offer a simple and automatic braking solution, they have some drawbacks. One significant disadvantage is that they can cause heavy brake strain on slopes. When descending hills or driving on slopes, the trailer's momentum will consistently activate the surge brakes, leading to increased brake strain. This automatic braking action can put a lot of pressure on the braking system, potentially leading to premature wear and tear.

Additionally, surge brakes do not allow for manual activation, which means the driver cannot separately actuate the trailer brakes if the trailer starts swaying or in situations where additional control is needed. This can be a concern when navigating slopes, as the driver may desire more precise control over the trailer's braking to maintain stability.

In contrast, electric brakes provide more flexibility and control. They can be manually activated using a brake controller, allowing the driver to apply a small amount of braking force if needed, such as when descending slopes or when the trailer sways. Electric brakes are also less affected by weather conditions and provide more consistent braking performance, making them a safer option in certain scenarios.

While electric brakes have their advantages, they also come with their own set of challenges. They require additional equipment, such as a controller and wiring, which increases the upfront cost and installation time. Furthermore, electric brakes rely on the battery of the tow vehicle, which can be a concern if the battery is not adequately maintained or fails unexpectedly.

Electric brakes are manually activated for total control

Electric brakes are manually activated by the driver, who can control the braking activity from the cab of the vehicle. This is done through a brake controller, which is an electronic device that regulates the electric trailer brakes. The brake controller is mounted in the cab of the vehicle and has an interface to view braking information and buttons to control the output and manual activation.

The manual activation of electric brakes can be useful for correcting minor trailer sway and gradually slowing down on steep hills or before stops. This gives the driver total control over the braking of the trailer, which can be especially important when dealing with heavy loads or when travelling on steep or winding roads.

The process of manually activating electric brakes is simple. Most trailer brake controllers come with a manual activation button that allows the driver to activate the trailer brakes whenever desired, without applying the vehicle brakes. This means that the driver can control the braking of the trailer independently of the towing vehicle, providing a level of precision and control that is not possible with hydraulic surge brakes.

In addition to manual activation, electric brakes can also be adjusted to provide a specific amount of power to the trailer brakes. This is done through the brake controller, which allows the driver to set the maximum output and sensitivity level of the brakes. The driver can then test the trailer brakes by driving at a certain speed and applying the brakes to see if the vehicle stops too slowly or too abruptly. If adjustments are needed, the driver can increase or decrease the maximum output and sensitivity until the desired braking performance is achieved.

Overall, the manual activation of electric brakes on boat trailers provides a level of control and precision that can enhance the safety and performance of the trailer, especially when dealing with heavy loads or challenging driving conditions.

Electric brakes are less affected by weather conditions

Electric brakes are a more recent innovation for boat trailers. Traditionally, trailer manufacturers did not use electric brakes on boat trailers because the brake magnet wiring and trailer wiring did not have the best insulation or water protection. However, in recent times, manufacturers have started to use electric brakes on boat trailers due to improvements in wiring insulation and heat shrink connectors.

One of the benefits of electric brakes is that they are less affected by weather conditions. For example, in very cold weather, the fluid in surge brakes can freeze, rendering them ineffective. On the other hand, electric brakes can be manually activated for total control and are more consistent in their braking performance. They are also more effective on slopes and rough terrain.

It is important to note that electric brakes require extra equipment like a controller and wiring, which can increase the upfront cost and installation time. Additionally, they rely on the battery of the tow vehicle, so it is crucial to ensure the connections are completely sealed and that the trailer is unplugged before launching and loading.

Surge brakes are often cheaper upfront due to their simplicity

In contrast, electric brakes require a controller in the cabin of the tow vehicle, as well as extra equipment and wiring, which increases the upfront cost and installation time. They also require a power source, usually the battery of the tow vehicle.

While surge brakes are cheaper upfront, electric brakes may be more cost-effective in the long run. Electric brakes have fewer replacement parts and are less affected by terrain and towing speed, providing more consistent braking performance. They can also be manually activated, giving the driver more control.

Both types of brakes serve the same purpose of preventing the trailer from moving when necessary. The best option depends on individual needs and preferences, as well as the type of vehicle and trailer being used.

Frequently asked questions