Who is using electric brakes?
#1
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 281
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From: Covington, LA
Who is using electric brakes? I currently have surge brakes and it's time for an overhaul. I had electric brakes on a boat trailer years ago with no problems but I didn't keep the trailer very long. I'd like to hear from those who have electric brakes on their boat trailer about their experience and how well they have held up. I'm speaking specifically of electric drum brakes and not electric over hydraulic
#2
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 516
Likes: 128
From: houston texas
I have had electric brakes on many of my race trailers through the yrs
the good is u can adjust the amount the brakes apply when stopping
lots nicer than a surge that locks up when hit brakes hard makes things out of shape,,,
and no clunking noises when stop and go,,,,
bad is they are still drum brakes
and the magnet can go out
but spare magnets are cheap
also now u are locked in to have brakes to use the same vehicle to tow with
as must have a controller wire in the vehicle
so just cannot tow with anything
so like everything theres 2 sides
surge with disc is nice
as wash easily being open behind tire and pad changing is not as much as a hassle
the good is u can adjust the amount the brakes apply when stopping
lots nicer than a surge that locks up when hit brakes hard makes things out of shape,,,
and no clunking noises when stop and go,,,,
bad is they are still drum brakes
and the magnet can go out
but spare magnets are cheap
also now u are locked in to have brakes to use the same vehicle to tow with
as must have a controller wire in the vehicle
so just cannot tow with anything
so like everything theres 2 sides
surge with disc is nice
as wash easily being open behind tire and pad changing is not as much as a hassle
#3
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 276
Likes: 5
From: Fort Worth, Texas
I have all electric drums on 6 wheels. They work just fine for me. However, if you overload the bearing grease and it pushed out of the rear seal, they are toast. If I were to redo them, I would go with 6 wheel EOH disks.
#5
Electric brakes on boat trailers work well, unplug before backing down the ramp. If you boat in salt water you will have to replace the backing plates every couple of years. Cheaper than electric over hydraulic brakes.
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#6
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 281
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From: Covington, LA
This pretty much sums up my suspicions but I wanted to hear from others, keep the comments coming. Thanks.
#7
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,960
Likes: 7
From: Sandown, NH - Sebago Lake Region, ME
I converted mine from surge drum to EOH disc and some of the best money I ever spent! Bought a 2015 GMC Sierra last year with the integrated brake controller and it works flawlessly with the EOH system! If you can afford the extra money then I think the EOH is the way to go!
#8
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 140
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From: Connecticut
I have been running electric brakes on my trailer for a number of years now. Unplug before backing her in and all is well. Many newer trucks have an integrated brake controller but its not very expensive to put one in if needed. It cost me less than $100 and a couple hours of my time to put one into my ole Chevy 2500.
#9
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,119
Likes: 2
From: Central IL / Green Bay, WI
I never in 5 years unplugged my electric brakes before dunking the trailer.
You know that it's just energizing an electro-magnet, right? It's not like you're going to short circuit anything by getting them wet while plugged in.
You know that it's just energizing an electro-magnet, right? It's not like you're going to short circuit anything by getting them wet while plugged in.



