Electric brakes

[nitsuj]

I notice surge brakes are much more popular on boat trailers than electric brakes. In the near future, I'm picking up a boat on an EZ Loader Tandem axle trailer, and it looks like the brakes have been upgraded to electric. So what's the deal? Do electric brakes not hold up well to being submerged? I figure there must be a reason I don't see them on boat trailers as much as cargo trailers. Would I be better off converting back to surge brakes on this trailer?

 

[insanity]

Re: Electric brakes

It may have to do with the magnets in the drums not liking water. If you have ever looked at one its part magnet and I am going to guess asbestos or a similar high heat fiber. Also electricity and water don't mix. If you keep them on just as safety measure unplug them any time you dip them in water, and let them drain when you pull out before reconnecting them. I do that with my lights to prevent blowing a bulb or shorting anything.

 

[tizchibe]

Re: Electric brakes

Interesting thought, i completely agree with your perspective

 

[TerryMSU]

Re: Electric brakes

It may have to do with the magnets in the drums not liking water. If you have ever looked at one its part magnet and I am going to guess asbestos or a similar high heat fiber. Also electricity and water don't mix. If you keep them on just as safety measure unplug them any time you dip them in water, and let them drain when you pull out before reconnecting them. I do that with my lights to prevent blowing a bulb or shorting anything.

What makes you think that magnets do not like water?

More importantly, if water were a big issue on electric brakes, they would be a problem anytime anyone pulled a electric brake trailer in the rain. I suspect that the original reason was that the actuator requires a bigger modification to the vehicle than a surge brake. Also, surge brakes are relatively low-tech and were likely a lot cheaper years ago when people first began towing boat regularly. Also, the old 6 volt electrical systems probably did not support electric brakes. That said, surge brakes are inherently "there". If you forget to plug in the electrical hook-up they still work.

TerryMSU

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Electric brakes

The electro-magnets are potted assemblies so water is not an issue. The brake drum itself is no different than a drum brake unit in that many surge brake drums also have the machined surface for the electro-magnet. In fact with a decenty controller, electric brakes are far better and more useful than surge brakes in that they can be manually controlled to stop sway without touching the tow vehicle brakes. And you also do not need a reversing solenoid or free backing brake assemblies.

 

[insanity]

Re: Electric brakes

I see the water getting between the magnet and the drum causing problems until it drys out, then there is the rust that will build up inside leaving less metal for it to contact. I also agree with a good brake controller I have one for my car trailer, proportional is the only way to go.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Electric brakes

My understanding is that over time the vibration of the magnet causes the potting to fracture where the wires enter the magnet. After salt water leaches in through the opening, the magnets will then fail.

That's why I would NEVER use electric brakes on a trailer used in saltwater.

 

[Splat]

Re: Electric brakes

I've used both, and find Electric brakes a FAR SUPPERIOR. I've never had a problem with magnet failure, although I boat in freshwater. I believe it's kodiak that make a kit specifically for saltwater.

The ability to control and adjust the brakes from the tow vehicle, combined with the ability to have working brakes in reverse makes then safer and easier to use imho.

Bill

 

[grahamh]

Re: Electric brakes

I agree, I find surge brakes maddeningly annoying to deal with, if electric brakes and a controller are in your budget, I'd go for it.

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Electric brakes

Be happy that the trailer has electric brakes. Get a Prodigy controller and go. If you are really concerned about the electrics and submerged components you can put a switch on your controller so it's unpowered when the brakes are underwater.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Electric brakes

If you are really concerned about the electrics and submerged components you can put a switch on your controller so it's unpowered when the brakes are underwater.

That's not the problem. Its the water leaking into the magnets.

 

[nitsuj]

Re: Electric brakes

I've towed both as well. I much prefer electric brakes. The reason I asked is because it seems like on cargo trailers, electric brakes are the norm. But on boat trailers, it seems like surge brakes are much more popular. I'm happy this trailer was converted to electric, just wanted to be sure it wasn't going to be a headache.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Electric brakes

If magnet failure really scares you, just replace them every year when you have everything apart for bearing maintainence. They are only about $15 each.

 

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: Electric brakes

Converting my trailer to electric come spring, or possibly over the winter when I get my vacation pay. Our cargo trailer has electric brakes, and I agree, 1000% better braking system.

Ian

 

[109jb]

Re: Electric brakes

My understanding is that over time the vibration of the magnet causes the potting to fracture where the wires enter the magnet. After salt water leaches in through the opening, the magnets will then fail.

That's why I would NEVER use electric brakes on a trailer used in saltwater.

So it is your "understanding" and is apparently not from direct experience.

I have owned and operated both surge brake and electric brake trailers and I would NEVER own another surge brake trailer. That is a statement from direct personal experience. The only option I would consider other than electric drums is an electric over hydraulic disk brake setup. Too much money for me though since I only boat in fresh water. As far as unplugging them when the trailer gets dunked, I wouldn't worry about it. Kind of like unplugging the trailer lights, which I never do, and have not had to replace bulbs any more often than on any other trailer.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Electric brakes

And that's what I have...electric over hydraulic. I have had all 3 systems. I have electric over hydraulic with Kodiak disc brakes for my boat trailer.

I would NEVER own another surge brake trailer.

I would never have another boat trailer with drum brakes of any type.

Unplugging before you dunk the electric brakes accomplishes nothing as the water will remain in the magnet long after the trailer is removed from the water. Salt water is the issue...not fresh.