Who is using electric brakes?
#11
Registered
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.
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.
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.
#12
Registered
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Covington, LA
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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....
#13
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.
...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.
#14
Registered
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Covington, LA
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
#15
Registered
iTrader: (1)
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 .
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 .
#19
Registered
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Covington, LA
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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?
#20
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.
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.