Electric vs. Electric over Hydraulic Trailer Brakes

[blue700x]

Looking for input/opinions regarding the pluses and minus for each.
I have heard from some trailer dealers that Sodium Chloride (which is used on the roads to remove ice) eats the brake componets. The only way to reduce the deterioration is to remove the wheel and brake drum, and then wash the brakes after each use on wet roadways. Some dealers say they have not seen this issue. Has anyone installed electric over hydraulic brakes on their trailer? Was it worth the time and investment? Do hydraulic brakes provide better braking with enclosed trailers?

 

[lvr1000]

I didn't think you could get Hydralic brakes on a snowmobile trailer nor would you want them. The tow vehicle needs to have good stopping power to get the Hydralics to work.
I have had twice that the electric brakes DEFINATELY save me from an accident on slippery roads by hitting the manual brake switch. That being said, hydralic brakes, if set up correctly, have more braking power than electric (and I have 4-10" e-brakes). I had a JA not see me and pulled out in front of me with 5500lbs of boat and trailer in tow by a 3500lb Jeep. Much to my surprise, the trailer tires actually locked up on dry pavement.

For safety, I replace the e-brakes every 2-3 years, the salt and Sodium Chloride will freeze up the pivot points.

 

[mjkaliszak]

Good information here. I wasn't aware of this. I have only used the e-brake switch 1 time to straighten me out in a slide, it was some " fast thinking " that day. Not sure I would want hyd's either. I have had a in line for 4 years now and totally wore the tires down. I think when I order my new tires & rims that I will re-do the brakes. Any input on how to tell what kind I have on my trailer ? Where is the best place to buy them ? Back to the manufacturer ? The trailer is a R & R 3 plc In-line.
lvr1000: do you buy the brakes complete or do you buy the shoes and then a spring kit when you re-do them ?

 

[xcr440]

This has been debated before, but aren't hydraulic brakes essentially "Surge" brakes? Meaning the pressure of the trailer up against the braking tow vehicle cause pressure in the hitch applying the brakes? And Electrice brakes are controlled "under dash" with a controller that apply the brakes when the brake on the tow vehicle is applied? Or as pointed out, by pressing the switch on the control unit?

I know some don't think they are necessary, but if you are towing 3 or more sleds on a tandem axle trailer, I surely would want that added stopping power.

 

[whitedust]

I would not have any snomo or boat trailer without surge brakes. I have electric brakes on my snomo enclosed trailer & have not had a problem just set controller to digital 3 & go.

 

[lvr1000]

Yes, xcr440, the hydralic brakes are the surge brakes and operate like you said, that is why surge brakes don't work well on ice or snow.

mjkaliszak, I use to buy just the shoes and magnet. Then I'd have to free up the pivot arm the magnet goes on and clean everything else up. Fortunately, I found a HD truck and trailer warehouse that sells to comercial businesses that sells the whole assembly for less than what I use to pay for the shoes and magnet. The four sets in the above post picture, 10" x 2-1/4", costs a TOTAL of $159.08 with tax and that included the 4 seals and the ez lube plugs! I also bought a spare 10" hub and brake drum complete with bearings, seals, axle nut, clips, ez lube plug and cap for $50.45 including tax.

The pictures might explain why I like to have brakes.

 

[LarryD]

Surge breaks were outlawed. The new version is regular hydraulic operating breaks but an eletric pump tied to the signal from your vehicle pumps pressure to the cylinder/ram to actuate the break as compaired to the old compression action of the hitch/tongue.

Never seen one but I think it is a lot of stuff to go wrong.

 

[77kedge]

electric is good to go 2-5 years.

 

[sjshaner]

Just wondering, I bought a pontoon boat, motor, and trailer package brand new from a dealer in iowa a few years ago. It is a 22 foot boat with a 115 hp. It did not come with brakes, and to be honest my tow vehicles all are large enough that I have no problems stopping. I have thought about adding brakes but was wondering how the electric would work on a boat trailer, especially if you forgot to unplug the trailer before launching. Sorry for hijacking the thread but this has been on my mind and this looked like a good oportunity to get some good info, thanks.

 

[favoritos]

Just wondering, I bought a pontoon boat, motor, and trailer package brand new from a dealer in iowa a few years ago. It is a 22 foot boat with a 115 hp. It did not come with brakes, and to be honest my tow vehicles all are large enough that I have no problems stopping. I have thought about adding brakes but was wondering how the electric would work on a boat trailer, especially if you forgot to unplug the trailer before launching. Sorry for hijacking the thread but this has been on my mind and this looked like a good oportunity to get some good info, thanks.

Dry roads are a whole different deal. I have pulled inboards behind a medium weight car with no trailer brakes. I would not do the same thing on a snowy road.

Keep it simple. Leave the brakes off the boat trailer.

 

[whitedust]

Looking at new boats & will tow to FL & back. Never know when you have to hit binders during that haul so all dealers saying surge brakes. Not sure how they work but not electric. I'll have to ask.

 

[xcr440]

As pointed out, I thought they changed the laws to go away from surge brakes. Not sure why, but they have always worked on my trailers.

Basically surge brakes are:

There is a cylinder in the hitch, like the master cylinder on your tow vehicle. When you apply the brakes on the tow vehicle, the pressure of the trailer pushes against the back of the tow vehicle. In the hitch, that cylinder is pushed forward, creating pressure in the cylinder, which pushes brake fluid to the brakes on the wheel hubs, thus creating the brake on the trailer.

 

[hank2613]

I did the change over on sled bed trailer. Most trailers have the mounting plate for electric brakes. I only did one axle. The brakes are mounted as a assembly and you need to run power to them from your brake control.