Notices

Who is using electric brakes?

Thread Tools
 
Old 07-27-2016 | 10:03 AM
  #11  
Registered
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 922
Likes: 128
From: Hemlock, MI
Default

Originally Posted by Wasted Income
I never in 5 years unplugged my electric brakes before dunking the trailer. I won't be disconnecting either. I want brakes when backing down.

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.
Provided you wired with good shrink splices and not scotch-locks like most are installed with on average trailers.

I converted my old trailer to electrics and will be converting my Manning tri-axle with chitty and sticky surge brakes in the spring. Love being able to just swap a backing plate, splice wires, adjust, and go. No more clunking, no more dragging and overheating bearings.
Gimme Fuel is offline  
Reply
Old 07-27-2016 | 02:37 PM
  #12  
Thread Starter
Registered
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: Covington, LA
Default

It's a shame there isn't a marine version of the electric brakes available, i.e. Stainless / Galv components, either way if you have to change them every couple of years they're cheap enough....
ezrizer is offline  
Reply
Old 07-27-2016 | 04:47 PM
  #13  
Sydwayz's Avatar
Forum Regulator
Veteran: Air Force
25 Year Member
Super Moderators
VIP Member
 
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 24,215
Likes: 1,613
From: Worldwide
Default

One of the advantages of EoH over straight electric that you ought to unplug when you get to the ramp...
...is that you have braking in reverse, which is especially helpful on wet and/or steep ramps.

Once you hear and feel the front wheels of the tow vehicle starting to slide down a ramp; it's a very, VERY eerie feeling.
I've also seen truck brakes fail at the worst possible time, like on a boat ramp. If your trailer brakes are unplugged, not a good situation at all as you can't use the manual override.

Just my thoughts, take 'em or leave 'em.
Sydwayz is offline  
Reply
Old 07-27-2016 | 05:41 PM
  #14  
Thread Starter
Registered
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: Covington, LA
Default

I appreciate the thoughts. Although, I don't see much reason to unplug when backing down. I've never unplugged my trailer lights. It would seem like the magnet is not going to care if it's above or below water when it's energized. The problem I see is water eventually getting into either the magnet or the connections, the question is if/when and how often. If I can a 3-5 years out of a set of brakes I'm satisfied when considering the simplicity and cost. If I was trailering for a living I might have a different opinion and strongly consider the EOH option. Again, thanks for the input Sydwayz.
ezrizer is offline  
Reply
Old 07-28-2016 | 11:08 PM
  #15  
Registered
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 9,989
Likes: 6,484
From: Chicago
Default

Id rather have wiring then brake lines that leak, rust, or break. One leak and all the supposed advantages of EOH are out the window. I`ve never needed extra brakes backing down a ramp and I tow a heavy ass boat.
I like my electric brakes. Have never unplugged them at the ramp .Only downfall may be the heat in stop and go traffic. My temp gun always reads higher .
ICDEDPPL is offline  
Reply
Old 07-29-2016 | 09:09 AM
  #16  
Registered
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,119
Likes: 2
From: Central IL / Green Bay, WI
Default

Originally Posted by ICDEDPPL
I like my electric brakes. Have never unplugged them at the ramp .Only downfall may be the heat in stop and go traffic. My temp gun always reads higher .
And the beauty of that, is with electric brakes you can just turn down the gain
Wasted Income is offline  
Reply
Old 07-29-2016 | 10:49 AM
  #17  
Registered
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,960
Likes: 7
From: Sandown, NH - Sebago Lake Region, ME
Default

Originally Posted by Wasted Income
And the beauty of that, is with electric brakes you can just turn down the gain
Just an FYI - you can do the same with EOH
502ss is offline  
Reply
Old 08-02-2016 | 09:40 AM
  #18  
Registered
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 9,989
Likes: 6,484
From: Chicago
Default

I take it back, noticed this weekend only one wheel is braking. Thinking about EOH now
ICDEDPPL is offline  
Reply
Old 08-02-2016 | 09:10 PM
  #19  
Thread Starter
Registered
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: Covington, LA
Default

How old are your electric brakes? You can probably replace all backing plate assemblies for $300 bucks. Or maybe just a handful of magnets for $125. EOH would be great but for me it's $1500ish to convert to discs and EOH. Just seems a bit off the mark for something that's certainly better but is it really worth it? I currently just have drums on one axle and the braking is good. Drums on both would be an improvement in and of itself which is why I was just thinking of going all electric. I'm just curious if replacing the magnets or backing plates is an annual thing or more or less?
ezrizer is offline  
Reply
Old 08-03-2016 | 08:41 AM
  #20  
Registered
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,671
Likes: 29
Default

If I were to do it all over again:

If I was having trailer issues, I'd sell the thing for a reasonable price. Buy a brand new one with EOH and call it a day. Seems to be the most reliable and cost effective way to go. You can spend a lot of money and time screwing with trailer issues.

But to answer your question ezrizer, depending on how big your boat is...absolutely worth it. I had EoH on my Sunsation Dominator trailer that I pulled with my F-150 EcoBoost. Adding those brakes took the braking from "good enough" to "do I have too much braking now?" It adds a huge degree of stability and confidence. The only time I wouldn't is if I was pulling a small boat that the truck's brakes are certainly plenty and the trailer at that point is a bonus.
Captain YARRR is offline  
Reply


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.