electric to hydraulic trailer brakes

[cannonman]

I'm pulling a 4000-4500 lb 20' bowrider on a 5,000 lb single axle trailer with an F-150. The truck does fine but I have warped the rotors before pulling in very hot weather. I want to add brakes to my trailer, but the obstacles keep piling up.

First off, I don"t have brake flanges on the axle to attach brakes to. It sounds like they can be added but have to be done very carefully to avoid crooked alignment or weakening the axle.
Second, my trailer has the A-frame hitch and most surge brake couplers are a straight line attachment.
Third, My truck is set up for electric brakes already and I am familiar with that style of system.

OK, does anyone have experience with electric to hydraulic brakes actuators. they are expensive but that may be the way to go. I'm looking for some advice before I decide to either pull it the way it is or buy a new trailer.

Thanks

 

[KD4UPL]

Re: electric to hydraulic trailer brakes

As far as pulling it the way it is, most states I know of require any trailer over 3,000 pounds to have brakes. Have you checked on that? You may be pulling illegally already.
I would consider swapping the entire axle assembly for one with brakes. This would solve the problem of attaching brake flanges.
If the trailer doesn't get dunked much and only in fresh water I might give regular electric brakes a try. I too much prefer electric brakes but I have surge brakes on my boat trailer.

 

[bgc]

Re: electric to hydraulic trailer brakes

Take a look here http://www.trailerpart.com/ They are part of Southwest Wheel.

I would look at replacing the axel first. A 3500# axel will run $110 bucks.

Then I would do an electric setup with a controller in the cab.

You may also want to weigh your rig, that seems high for a 20’ bowrider.