My new ELECTRIC trailer brakes

[Mischief Managed]

Re: My new ELECTRIC trailer brakes

So does it have a electric master cyl? Not familiar how they work but there must be more going on because you said keep the lines. I am picturing electric brakes with the solenoids in the brakes like a camping trailer, I don't see how that would last in the water so it must be different???

LK

There's no solenoid in electric brake setups. The braking force is provided by the rotating drum, not a solenoid. There's just a simple and very inexpensive sealed electromagnet with a friction surface that resides inside the drum. When electric current flows through the magnet, it is attracted to the inside vertical face of the drum. When the drum is moving, it tries to rotate the magnet, this applies torque to a simple cam that spreads the brakes shoes. The amount of current required is very small. There are fewer moving parts in an electric setup and in my opinion, it's more robust and water resistant that standard hydraulic surge brakes.

Here's a great animation that should make it really clear: AL-KO Kober - Brakes, Hubs & Drums

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: My new ELECTRIC trailer brakes

So does it have a electric master cyl? Not familiar how they work but there must be more going on because you said keep the lines. I am picturing electric brakes with the solenoids in the brakes like a camping trailer, I don't see how that would last in the water so it must be different???

LK

sorry, I missed this.... Yep just what he^^^ said.

It is indeed EXACTLY the same system as a camping trailer

The electromagnets are completely waterproof and not bothered at all by a dunk in the water.

I will say tho, get actual Dexter stuff and not the cheap chinese stuff that says "fits Dexter".... the cheapo stuff won't last.