Electric Boat Trailer Brakes

[Pacman]

Question:  Can I use electric brakes on a boat trailer if I disconnect the power before launching in fresh water?

It seems like that would just wash them off as long as they are dried out before use but I know nothing so, what do you think?

[Zephyros]

The short answer is no. The long answer is electric components don't like water and likely won't work after the first dunk and if they do they won't work for long. That is why Surge brakes are used on boat trailers as there are all hydraulic and mechanical, no electrical components to be drowned.

[captronr]

I needed to put a heavier axle, tires, and wheels on a 5,000 pound sailboat trailer.  The existing axle had surge brakes, but I was expecting four trips across the Rockies with the boat, and the idea of the surge brakes engaged all the way down scared me a lot. 

I wanted to get a marine designed axle and brakes, but couldn't find a set that fit my trailer, so I went with plain stuff with normal electric trailer brakes.  I installed them and had zero issues for four years before I sold the boat.  When I sold it, the brakes were working as good as day one.  All the dunkings were in fresh water, and I never flushed them after pulling the trailer out.

My desire was to get stainless steel disc brakes, but my only option was steel drum brakes.  If you could install stainless disc, I wouldn't be afraid to try it, assuming you are in fresh water.

And yes, I always disconnected the lights and brakes before each dunking.

Ron

[moonlight]

An understanding of what electric trailer brakes are, or are not, helps with this decision.

Electric brakes are just an electromagnet with otherwise fully mechanical controls on drum brakes.

Yes, where the wires enter the electromagnet is a sensitive point; but no different than on a trim/tilt gauge common on inboard/outdrive boats which certainly, being a sailing forum, we're a bit shy on experience there as well.

MANY MANY MANY of the larger triple-axle sportfisher trailers are electric brakes.  When those guys run thousands of miles to fishing tournaments the higher sensitivity of the electric brakes, allowing them to adjust brake tension, makes a lot of sense.

Water in brake lights not real good, but not real bad either.  It's been happening that way for a long time.  No ones blowing fuses over it.

[CaptRon28]

Electric boat trailer brakes almost always have an electric/hydraulic controller mounted at the trailers tongue. Then hydraulic lines go to each of the wheels to actuate the individual cylinders. This is almost always an improvement over the surge brakes that come standard on boat trailers. You've got much better control over the braking system with a good actuator mounted at the brake pedal rather than allowing the slowing vehicle speed to push the trailer tongue into in a hydraulic cylinder. Most newer trucks have these brake actuators factory installed and tied to the computerized anti-lock braking system.