Electric Brakes For Boat Trailers: Are They Worthwhile?

Electric brakes are rarely used on boat trailers due to the risk of corrosion. However, more manufacturers are using them thanks to improvements in wiring insulation and heat shrink connectors. Electric brakes are simple to install and maintain, and they provide additional braking control. They are also more cost-effective than hydraulic brakes and have fewer components that can malfunction.

Electric brakes are rarely used on boat trailers

Another reason for the rare use of electric brakes on boat trailers is the maintenance and cost of replacement parts. Electric brakes require a brake controller to be installed in the cabin of the tow vehicle, which adds complexity and cost. In contrast, surge brakes are self-contained within the trailer and require no electrical or hydraulic connections to the car. Additionally, electric brake systems use electromagnets to actuate the drum brakes, and these magnets can be affected by water exposure, potentially impacting their performance and longevity.

Furthermore, some states in the US have laws requiring trailers above certain weight limits to have brakes. However, these laws vary from state to state, and electric brakes are not always necessary or the preferred option for boat trailers.

While electric brakes offer advantages such as additional ease of use and braking control, as well as lower parts replacement costs, they are still not widely adopted by boat trailer manufacturers. This could be due to the concerns mentioned above, as well as the preference for other braking systems like surge brakes, which are hydraulic and use the trailer's natural momentum to actuate the brakes.

Electric brakes are controlled by the car's brake pedal pressure

Electric brakes are more simple than surge brakes, but they do require a brake controller. They use electromagnets to actuate the drum brakes, and you can control the electricity to the brakes with the brake controller and the brake light circuit on your vehicle. When you apply the brakes, the brake controller gradually increases the current to the brakes to prevent the trailer wheels from locking up.

The brake controller also has an adjustment for the maximum brake force. A lower setting is suitable for a lighter loaded trailer, while a higher setting is needed for a heavier load. Additionally, the brake controller has a lever that allows you to apply the trailer brakes independently of the tow vehicle brakes. This is useful when descending hills, in high winds, or when being overtaken by large vehicles.

Electric brakes are more cost-effective than hydraulic brakes, with lower replacement part costs and less maintenance required. However, one concern with electric brakes is the potential for corrosion, especially when used with boat trailers that are regularly submerged in water. While improvements in wiring insulation and heat shrink connectors have made electric brakes more viable for boat trailers, it is still important to ensure that wire connections are completely sealed and that the electrical components are unplugged before launching and loading the boat.

Electric brakes are simpler than surge brakes

Electric brakes also require less maintenance than hydraulic surge brakes. With hydraulic brakes, owners must maintain brake lines from corrosion and ensure the hydraulic actuator and brake assemblies are in good condition. Electric brakes have lower parts costs, as replacement parts for electric brakes are often less expensive than those for hydraulic brakes.

In terms of functionality, electric brakes provide additional ease of use and control. They are activated by the car's brake pedal pressure and require an electric brake controller. When the brake pedal is depressed, the brake lights come on, and voltage is sent to the trailer's electromagnetic actuators, engaging the brakes. This results in the trailer always braking first, making it safer for downhill driving and quick stops.

While both types of brakes serve the same purpose of preventing the trailer from moving, electric brakes offer advantages in terms of installation, maintenance, and functionality, making them a simpler and often preferred choice for many users.

Electric brakes are more cost-effective than hydraulic brakes

Firstly, electric brakes have a lower parts cost than hydraulic brakes. For example, the replacement cost of a 6K 12" x 2" electric self-adjust complete brake backer is $61.95, compared to $96.95 for a 6K 12" x 2" complete hydraulic brake backer. This makes electric brakes more cost-effective in terms of parts replacement.

Secondly, electric brakes require less maintenance than hydraulic brakes. With hydraulic brakes, you must maintain brake lines from corrosion, maintain the hydraulic actuator, and maintain brake assemblies. Electric brakes eliminate these maintenance tasks, making them more cost-effective in terms of ongoing maintenance expenses.

Thirdly, electric brakes are easier to install than hydraulic brakes. Most modern trucks, vans, SUVs, and RVs are already set up to use an electronic trailer brake controller, with a factory-installed "quick plug" under the dash. Some pickup trucks even include a brake controller built into the dashboard, requiring no additional installation. This makes electric brakes more cost-effective in terms of installation costs.

In addition to these cost-saving benefits, electric brakes also provide additional ease of use and braking control. They are more responsive than surge brakes and allow for separate actuation of the trailer brakes if the trailer is swaying, making them safer for downhill driving and quick stops.

While there may be concerns about the compatibility of electric brakes with boat trailers due to water submersion, modern improvements in wiring insulation and heat shrink connectors have made electric brakes a viable option for boat trailers as well.

Electric brakes are not recommended for submersion in saltwater

Electric brakes rely on electricity and water is a conductor of electricity. This means that if the wiring is not properly insulated or protected, the circuits can short out when exposed to water. This is a serious safety concern, as it could lead to loss of control over the brakes. While some electric brake systems are designed to be corrosion-resistant and can handle saltwater use, it is always recommended to take precautions to minimize the risk of damage.

In addition to the corrosion issue, electric brakes also require an electric control unit in the towing vehicle, which can be inconvenient and costly. Furthermore, electric brakes may not be compatible with all trailer setups, and additional components such as a brake controller, wiring, and a 7-way connector may be needed.

As an alternative to electric brakes, some boat trailer manufacturers use surge brakes, which are entirely self-contained within the trailer and require no electrical or hydraulic connections to the car. While surge brakes have their own advantages and disadvantages, they do not face the same corrosion issues as electric brakes when submerged in saltwater.

Frequently asked questions