trailer brakes

J

jim vogt

Member
Apr 27, 2019
65
Boat Info
1989 Sea Ray 270Amberjack
Engines
twin 4.3
Have any of you converted your boat trailer to electric brakes from surge?
 
Nope, but did convert to electric over hydraulic. I am not a fan of electric brakes and water. We welded the surge brake coupler in a locked position and installed the pump system. Then the next upgrade is to put disc brakes on. LOL
 
Thanks, I have a 270 Amberjack and only haul it twice a year. Into the slip and back to storage after the season. Distance one way is 15 miles. My surge system needs to be totaly replaced and I prefer driving with electric brakes. I do plan on unplugging when backing into the water.
 
I had a 270 Sundancer that the above upgrades were done for. I would never ever want to put a boat that size down a ramp with no Trailer brakes. Good luck with that.
 
MonacoMike said:
I had a 270 Sundancer that the above upgrades were done for. I would never ever want to put a boat that size down a ramp with no Trailer brakes. Good luck with that.
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When you back down the ramp with surge brakes then they will not function either
 
boatman37 said:
When you back down the ramp with surge brakes then they will not function either
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Yes sir! That system works very well with an adequately sized truck and an Under 24 foot boat. When you start backing and 8000 to 12,000 pound boat trailer down the steep ramp it is highly comforting to have brakes.

When you get to a big boat and a tri-axle trailer the tail starts to wag the dog.
 
MonacoMike said:
Yes sir! That system works very well with an adequately sized truck and an Under 24 foot boat. When you start backing and 8000 to 12,000 pound boat trailer down the steep ramp it is highly comforting to have brakes.

When you get to a big boat and a tri-axle trailer the tail starts to wag the dog.
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Mine weighs in at 8800lbs with trailer with all tanks empty but I have a 2500 Ram. But I have backed this down the ramp with my old 1500. But what I was saying is if you have surge brakes they will not function when backing down a hill anyway. Or are you saying a bigger boat would/should have electric brakes? I need to look at my brakes as they don't seem to be working like they should so I'm interested in hearing about the electric brakes
 
a buddy has electric hydraulic on a 35 foot fifth wheel car hauler,,he says thats the way to go.
i have elctric on my triple axle boat trailer, they work ,,but not as good as i would like.
but the boat is a 38 scarab,,,so i am hauling 14000.
 
flash gordon said:
a buddy has electric hydraulic on a 35 foot fifth wheel car hauler,,he says thats the way to go.
i have elctric on my triple axle boat trailer, they work ,,but not as good as i would like.
but the boat is a 38 scarab,,,so i am hauling 14000.
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Do you have brakes on both axles?
 
Plus one on electric over hydraulic
If only your hitch and master is bad an easy upgrade to EOH
If axles need work go with disk

but I get it if you only go 15 miles and know your ramp well

I gross at 21,000
And backing down a ramp all six wheels have brakes feels good
 
I have electric brakes and love them. I do NOT launch in salt water though. I sling in when I'm heading to the San Juan Islands. They are easy to work on, replace and have performed flawlessly for the 14 years I've had the trailer. I wanted electric over hydraulic, but I got talked out of it. I don't regret it either at this point but I might feel the same way about electric over hydraulic? All I know is that I'm glad I can stop when backing down a ramp!!
 
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