Where to find electric marine grade trailer brakes?

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sailaway_steve
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Where to find electric marine grade trailer brakes?

Post by sailaway_steve »

Hi, I found my C26 1 1/2 years ago and am still in the process of restoring her. She's a 78 with the original trailer that is a breeze to launch with its 48 rollers, if my math is right. I am trying to find good marine grade electric drums for it but seem to be getting nowhere. It is a heavy boat and needs these brakes, but everyone seems to be using hydraulic. I don't want to use hydraulic for a number of reasons but mainly because the whole system including my truck is set up for electric. The question is, where can I find a good drum kit that won't rust in a few months? I'll be using it in salt water.
Thanks!
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CaptainScott
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Post by CaptainScott »

Hello,
I've purchased other items from ETrailer.com and was very satisfied with the purchase!

https://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Traile ... rakes.aspx


I used electric brakes on my original Chrysler trailer for a 22'er with great success once I figured out the wiring! The previous owner rewired it to a non standard and I had nothing but issues until I figured it out! Then they worked great!

Yes, I sail almost exclusively salt water and rinsed her down every time I pulled her out!

Scott
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sailaway_steve
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Post by sailaway_steve »

Ok that's great to know and really helps me out a lot thanks! My next question is do I replace the whole drum assembly and drums themselves? I've looked at them and it comes with new bearings too. OR do I just replace the brake assembly itself and not the drums? These brakes have never been replaced and I thought that maybe I should just replace everything while I'm in there. But then again I don't think the drums would be too worn because I don't believe it was trailered too much. The drums on this trailer are really strange because the lug nuts are really screws that screw into the drum. It makes it a bit of a challenge to put the wheels back on as you have to find the holes. Would that tell you about how old the drums are or is this just a different type?
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CaptainScott
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Post by CaptainScott »

Well, first of all, I am no brake expert. So anything I say about brakes is merely personal opinion and not worth a teaspoon of salt! LOL!


There are several factors to consider in my book. However safety and cost are the two that tend to weigh in the most. If budget is an issue, maybe you can take the old drums in to a brake specialist and see if they can be resurfaced and at what cost compared to new drums. They may be very thick and round but still have rust pits scars or other damage because of age.

My personal opinion is that brakes are a critical factor in towing. I'd do the whole job all at once. If you plan on keeping the boat for any length of time, the piece of mind is well worth the effort.


Think of the guy who buys a 56 Ford PU. Puts thousands into a beefy motor, even more into paint and interior, has a smokin' hot truck quick as a bullet and runs the original brakes meant for a 6 cylinder 100hp work truck! Doh! Gotta have brakes! :)



Again, just my opinion!
Scott
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astrorad
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Post by astrorad »

I replaced the electric brake assemblies on my original factory C22 trailer last summer. It was cheaper to buy the whole assembly ( Husky 10" electric drum brakes ), than to buy parts and try to repair with the existing back plate.
I don't know what size your trailer takes, but they come in standard 10 inch and 12 inch sizes. The 10 inch were $50 apiece at our local Farm and Fleet store. I also purchased the bearing kits for both sides, SKF brand if I remember correctly. It also was cheaper to buy the whole kit than try to order inner and outer and seals separately.
My drums were in excellent condition so I didn't have to have them machined. In all I think it was about $165 total. You may be able to find some used drums with studs at a place that services trailers.
Hope that this helps.
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Post by Reality »

IMO - electric brakes are no longer used on boat trailers for good reasons. My truck also has electric brake controller for pulling trailers like campers that work well with electric. Hydraulic surge brakes should be a very easy retrofit and would provide much better long term reliability which translates into better safety. Having an electric brake system immersed in water and then getting on the road raises the possibility of the brakes "dragging", heating the axles, axle failure, wheel comes off, trailer becomes a huge projectile on the road killing people. IMO electric brakes on boat trailers create a real hazard for other drivers meeting/following you. please don't take offense, just think about total road safety.
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astrorad
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Post by astrorad »

I may be wrong, but I was under the impression that surge brakes were illegal in Wisconsin...I don't know that for sure or if other states have banned them too?
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Post by Reality »

nearly every boat trailer I ever see here is surge brakes. Same in Illinois, Michigan, Iowa, Minnesota. Can't recall ever seeing electric brakes on a boat trailer in the past 25 years.
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Post by CaptainScott »

Bill, you might not be wrong however maybe your info is dated! LOL!
Surge brakes were not even recommended by DOT until 2007.

I will state again, I am no expert! AS far as the two main types of brakes for a boat, each has its own plus's and minus's! I personally have no fear of either. That is as long as they are properly maintained and in good working order!

My personal preference is electric only because I can control when and how much braking occurs while driving! We have a hill or two around here and there are times I like a little more braking on the trailer. I also can test them quickly by just grabbing the controller! LOL!


Once your brakes are in good working order, a good rinse after dipping is salt is a good idea whether surge or electric!

Happy sailing! :)

Scott
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Post by Holiday »

Fulton used to sell their "Shark Skin" submersible electric brakes. I have not seen them advertised lately and have not tried them myself. Electric brakes are much better than the hydraulic surge breaks when driving. Surge brakes are not that great for submersion either. I just put my 3rd set of surge disc brakes in 16 years on a trailer
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sailaway_steve
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Post by sailaway_steve »

There was a mention about flushing out your drum brakes after them being submerged in salt water. Do you exclusively go to marinas that have a flushing station or running water? I have never seen that or I have never noticed it before. I may be using a spot that is only a public boat ramp and am wondering how to flush my brakes without relying the ramp having running water. Taking some water with me and attaching a gallon jug to the flushing kit to the brakes?
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