Question

Trailering Guys

I am thinking about changing my 8300 lb boats trailer to new brakes I know you have said that disk brakes is the way to go. Now can the new disk brakes have electric brakes instead of the surged brakes and is electric brakes better. I use it in fresh and salt water both and does salt bother electric brakes more than surge brakes. I do have electric brakes on the truck now so I wouldn't have to put them on there..Let me know which is better and what I should do. Arthur Gilford, N.H.

Arthur

Answered on: 4/2008

You can purchase an electric over hydraulic actuator that will replace the surge brake actuator at the trailer tongue. This gives you the best of both worlds; the smoothness of the electric braking system and the reliability of disc brakes. Your brake system beyond the actuator will remain a surge (hydraulic system) however the electronic actuator will prevent brake surge when going downhill (that feeling of being pushed) and it will also eliminate the problems associated with backing the trailer uphill. Lastly since the electrical system stops at the trailer tongue you don't have to worry about submerging electrical components.

Mike