Adding brakes, electric or hydraulic?

[johnbo]

I've got a '96 Shorelander trailer that has no brakes, but does have the backing plate mounting bracket. This is a single axle trailer. I tow with a '97 Ford F350 with a PowerStroke diesel, so towing capacity is not really an issue, I just want a bit more control under emergency braking situations. I have a electric brake controller on the truck already.

This trailer has never been in salt water nor ever will be.

I like the idea of electrics because of the simplicity, but I'm worried about water damage/exposure. I'm slightly resistant to hydraulic brakes partially just due to previous exposure to badly adjusted systems, but there are a lot of folks with hydraulic systems and I don't hear them complaining about surging and hammering, which was my experience.

I'd sure appreciate your thoughts on this.

Thanks,

johnbo

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Adding brakes, electric or hydraulic?

[colour=blue]Electric will be fine, freshwater does not affect the magnet's performance.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Adding brakes, electric or hydraulic?

Add the backing plates and new hubs and you are good to go. Make sure the hubs fit the spindles (check bearing sizes).

 

[jeffnick]

Re: Adding brakes, electric or hydraulic?

http://www.boatus.com/trailerclub/upkeep/electricbrakes.asp

http://my.boatus.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=55457&PN=4

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Adding brakes, electric or hydraulic?

I hear electric over hydraulic is the way to go....

Personally I have single axle hydraulic surge that work great. In Florida it's the law to have brakes for ALL axles. Although my trailer was built, licensed and registered in Florida with only one set....

Hope to add brakes to the rear axle someday...

 

[Solittle]

Re: Adding brakes, electric or hydraulic?

Richard - When was that law enacted? I don't think I have ever seen a tandem axle trailer with brakes on both axles - 35 yrs in Fl. Mine dosen't.

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Adding brakes, electric or hydraulic?

I Know this wasn't in the question but it is somewhat relavant. Definately pay the extra money to get disk brakes instead of drum brakes. Easier to change and fewer parts to lose, break, etc.