converting from surge to electric brakes

[Si Rey]

I have a Trailrite double axle trailer under my 24' Sea Ray and would like to convert the surge brakes to electric, does anyone have any info on where I could go to get pricing and parts. The trailer has brakes only on one axle. I want to be able to tap the trailer brakes without hitting the vehicle brakes and back-up without the brakes locking up going up a hill.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: converting from surge to electric brakes

There are plenty of links here in the forums to championtrailers.com and easternmarine.com, and also places like northern tool and local trailer stores can be good.

If you have a working set of surge brakes in the right capacity, you should consider a hybrid setup... you use an electrically operated pump on the trailer to run the surge brakes, with an electric controller in the towing vehicle.

You get the best of both worlds.. the control of electric brakes and the corrosion resistance (and power, depending) of surge brakes.

It might also be cheaper than replacing your whole brake set-up, depending on how much you pay for that pump.

Erik

 

[Si Rey]

Re: converting from surge to electric brakes

Thank you for the info. The brakes I have now are drums and work as designed. I live in the mountains and have many grades to travel and would like to have more control over braking. The boat/trailer will never see salt water. I'll look at the websites you provided and go from there. I like the hybrid idea, as I do want a controller.

 

[Chris Hays]

Re: converting from surge to electric brakes

First i would expect that you would have to replace the whole backplate, drum, shoes and maybe the hub??, unless someone has a kit that converts existing surge brake units in to the electric coil type. You will have to somehow lock the surge hitch from moving in and out either by welding it or in your favour, adapt it to somehow cusion the pushing and pulling effect of the trailer eithe by putting some rubber or sping in there, (hmm, just a thought). Then your tow vehicle will have to be adapted to activate the brakes by installing the brake controller somewhere on or under the dash, depending on make and year of your vehicle this could be the deciding factor with cost, for instance a 05 chevy 2500 pickup comes prewired for a controller, you just plug it into an open connector under the dash, install a fuse in a specified location in the fuse box and away you go. Most trailer distributors should be able to help you out with the specifics.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: converting from surge to electric brakes

Although it is true that many newer vehicles come pre-wired for controllers, it is not a difficult wiring job on an older vehicle. If you choose the tekonsha prodigy (the absolute best controller available) the instructions are simple and easy to follow.

BTW, Instead of a fuse, a 20amp circuit breaker near the battery is a safer option.

 

[aggiedave98]

Re: converting from surge to electric brakes

I agree it's very simple to hook up. Basically power, ground, and a wire into the brake switch on your car (that makes your brake lights come on). Then one wire going to the trailer connector. Also agree that Prodigy is great!

 

[Si Rey]

Re: converting from surge to electric brakes

I have a 2003 GMC Yukon 1500 and it come pre-wired from the factory for brake controller. The circut even has a dedicated fuse. Soooooo easy! I just need to install controller. My biggest hurdle is converting hydralic to electric. Think I'll go with electric over hydralic and keep my existing drums.
Thanks for everyones help!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: converting from surge to electric brakes

I have the electric/hydraulic on my trailer with Kodiak disc brakes and a Tekonsha Prodigy controller. I love how it all works together.