Beatrice Lang
Electric brakes have been a topic of discussion for boat trailers, with some people opting to switch from hydraulic or surge brakes. Electric brakes offer driver control over braking force, and electric-over-hydraulic brakes provide the superior stopping power of disc brakes. However, electric brakes have more potential failure points, especially in saltwater due to corrosion. They are also more expensive, and there is a risk of electrical issues when submerging the trailer. On the other hand, some users have reported no issues with electric brakes, even after years of use, and they are easier to repair and relatively inexpensive to replace. While electric brakes can get wet, submerging them in water is not recommended due to potential electrical problems and dunking electrical connections.
Characteristics and values of using electric brakes on boat trailers
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Driver control | Electric brakes give the driver control over the braking force |
| Stopping power | Electric brakes with disc brakes have better stopping power |
| Failure points | Electric brakes have more failure points than surge brakes |
| Saltwater compatibility | Surge brakes are easier to keep working in saltwater |
| Cost | Electric brakes are more expensive than surge brakes |
| Ease of repair | Electric brakes are easy and inexpensive to repair or replace |
| Water protection | Electric brakes are not made to be submerged in water |
| Compatibility | Electric brakes are compatible with boat trailers |
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What You'll Learn
Electric brakes on boat trailers can be problematic due to dunking in water
Electric brakes offer the advantage of driver control over braking force, and electric-over-hydraulic systems provide the superior stopping power of disc brakes. However, electric brakes have more potential failure points than surge brakes. While surge brakes rely on the functioning of the actuator, brake lines, and wheel cylinders, electric brakes add the potential for electrical failure. This risk is heightened when submerging electrical connections in water, which can eventually lead to issues.
To mitigate this risk, it is recommended to unplug the electrical connectors before launching and loading the trailer. Additionally, ensuring wire connections are completely sealed can help protect against water damage. However, even with these precautions, there is still a chance of failure when submerging electric brakes, especially over time. This is a significant concern for boat trailers that regularly dunk in the water.
While electric-over-hydraulic systems address this issue by mounting the electronics away from the dunking area, they come at an additional cost. The electric-over-hydraulic setup typically costs around \$600, which may be a deciding factor for some users. Furthermore, electric brakes may require more frequent maintenance and repairs, adding to the overall cost of ownership.
In summary, electric brakes on boat trailers can be problematic due to dunking in water because of the potential for electrical failure. While precautions can be taken to minimise this risk, the chances of failure increase with regular submergence, creating potential headaches for owners. As a result, some users opt for alternative braking systems, such as surge brakes or electric-over-hydraulic setups, which offer fewer failure points and better reliability in saltwater environments.
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Electric brakes offer driver control over braking force
Electric brakes offer the driver control over braking force, which is a significant advantage. Electric brakes are fully configurable, allowing the driver to adjust the gain to customise the brake application to the weight of the load. For example, if you are towing an empty trailer, you can set the gain low so the brakes barely grab. If you are towing a whole boat, you can increase the gain. This adjustability is a significant advantage of electric brakes.
Electric brakes also offer the driver manual activation control. This means that the driver can control the braking force directly, which can be useful when navigating hills or slippery ramps. This level of control can improve the handling of the trailer, especially when travelling at high speeds on the interstate.
However, it is important to note that electric brakes have more potential failure points than other braking systems. For example, if the electrical connection gets wet, the brakes may fail. This is a significant concern for boat trailers, as the trailer may be submerged in water. While lake water is not very conductive, over time, issues may arise. Additionally, the electrical connections may be affected by salt water, leading to corrosion.
To mitigate these issues, it is recommended to use heat shrink connectors and ensure that all wire connections are completely sealed. It is also important to unplug the electrical connections before launching and loading the boat. By taking these precautions, the potential issues with electric brakes on boat trailers can be minimised.
Overall, while electric brakes offer the advantage of driver control over braking force, it is essential to carefully consider the potential issues and take the necessary precautions to ensure safe and effective braking performance.
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Electric brakes have more failure points than surge brakes
Electric brakes require a battery, emergency switch, and brake controller to function, whereas surge brakes use a mechanical chain connected to the tow vehicle. The additional components of electric brakes can lead to a higher chance of failure, especially if there are issues with the electrical system.
Surge brakes are generally considered more reliable and easier to maintain. They are less prone to failure as they do not depend on electrical components. With surge brakes, as long as the actuator works, brake lines don't leak, and wheel cylinders/caliper pistons are not seized, the brakes will function properly.
While electric brakes have improved in recent years, with better wiring insulation and heat shrink connectors, they still present more potential failure points. The main concern with electric brakes on boat trailers is ensuring that wire connections are completely sealed and that the trailer is unplugged before launching and loading to avoid water damage.
Ultimately, the choice between electric and surge brakes depends on the specific needs and preferences of the vehicle owner. Both systems have their advantages and disadvantages, and while electric brakes offer more control, they also introduce more potential points of failure.
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Electric brakes are more expensive than surge brakes
The cost of converting to an electric-over-hydraulic (EOH) system is typically in the $2,000-$3,000 range, depending on the truck, trailer, and brake manufacturer. This high cost is a significant drawback for those considering switching to electric brakes.
In contrast, surge brakes rely on simple physics and do not require electricity, making them a more cost-effective option. Surge brakes work based on the force with which the trailer pushes against the towing vehicle, activating the hydraulics to slow down the trailer.
While electric brakes offer advantages such as driver control over braking force and better stopping power, especially on slopes and rough terrain, their higher cost can be a deterrent for some. Therefore, when deciding between electric and surge brakes, it is essential to consider not only performance but also budgetary constraints.
Additionally, when it comes to boat trailers, there is a concern about submerging electromagnetic brakes and their wiring in water, especially saltwater. While some argue that lake water is not very conductive and may not cause issues, others worry about potential electrical malfunctions when mixing water and electricity. As a result, the cost of ensuring that electric brakes on boat trailers are adequately protected from water damage can further contribute to their higher expense.
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Electric brakes are fully configurable
The Elecbrakes system, for example, offers up to five favourite settings that can be saved in the device's memory and accessed via a smartphone app. The driver can control the brake response with precise settings, and any adjustments are stored in the device's memory, allowing for fine-tuning for future users. Elecbrakes are also compatible with 12V and 24V voltage systems and are designed to operate with one or two braked axles.
Electric brakes are also configurable in terms of their compatibility with different types of trailers and towing vehicles. They can be mounted on any trailer and towed by any vehicle, and are not limited by the type of brakes previously used on the trailer. Electric brakes are also a good option for boat trailers, as they are less likely to fail due to water exposure than other types of brakes, although it is important to unplug the connectors before launching and loading the boat.
In addition, electric brakes offer the advantage of driver control over the braking force, allowing the driver to adjust the gain so that the brakes pull the tow vehicle back. This is in contrast to surge brakes, which are a more crude system with fewer failure points but less configurability. Electric brakes also eliminate the issues that surge brakes have with delay, providing a seamless and safe towing experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric brakes are more likely to fail due to water exposure. While electric brakes are adjustable and give the driver control over the braking force, they have more electrical failure points than other braking systems.
Surge brakes are a more crude system but have fewer failure points and are easier to keep working in saltwater. Electric-over-hydraulic brakes are also an option, but they are more expensive.
Electric brakes are fully configurable. By adjusting the gain, you can customise the brake application to the weight of the load.
