Any advantage to elec brakes?

[frayed knot]

I was just wondering...most other towing forums I have read, tout the great advantage of having elec trailer brakes as opposed to surge brakes. Mostly, the ability to control amount of modulation and the ability to back up a hill without engaging the brakes. These folks are primarily talking about travel trailers. I rarely read about elec brakes on a boat trailer. I am assuming there is some issue with water and elec brakes, but I really know nothing about them. Any input to help a newb learn, is apprectiated.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Any advantage to elec brakes?

with surge brakes to back up the hill there is a pin or lever you activate to keep the brakes from engaging. the only advantage electric brakes have is when mountain traveling you can apply the electric brakes manually, with some setups.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Any advantage to elec brakes?

When discussing modulation advantages of surge vs electric brakes, surge brakes win hands down. Why -- because the minute the trailer starts braking at a greater rate than the tow vehicle, they release slightly. When the tow vehicle brakes hard the force exerted by the trailer actuates the trailer brakes harder. Electrics have an advantage in that they can be controlled independently of the vehicle brakes by using a separate lever or button. This is a nice feature in that it can get you out of a sway situation by simply applying only the trailer brakes. You are right that water and electricity generally don't mix. Electric brakes and salt water definitely creates problems. I've used both. If you ever tow with surge brakes on icy roads you might as well have no brakes. I'll take electric under those conditions thank you.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Any advantage to elec brakes?

good point Silvertip. i live i FLA and we don't have ice, or that white stuff. ice is for beer here.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Any advantage to elec brakes?

Few boats towed up here when its icy, but bunches of snowmobiles, atv's, etc. are. Surge brakes just don't cut it on slippery roads. A year or so ago I did see ice fisherman on the St Croix River fishing in a bay not far from open water where other people were in a boat. Only in America!!!!!!

 

[frayed knot]

Re: Any advantage to elec brakes?

Thanks for the replies fellas. I know a little more now. I guess there is no real reason to fret over switching from surge to elec brakes. I live in the flatlands in Eastern NC, and will likely launch in saltwater on occasion, but for sure into brakish water on a regular basis. I want to be as safe as possible when towing, that was the real reason for the initial thread. Thanks again!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Any advantage to elec brakes?

Flush them well with fresh water every time you get home.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Any advantage to elec brakes?

[colour=blue]

Flush them well with fresh water every time you get home.

And then go for a drive for a few minutes to dry them out.

 

[MBeasley]

Re: Any advantage to elec brakes?

Surge brakes will apply when compression braking. Electrics don't if you stay off the tow vehicle brakes. On a long steep downgrade, surge brakes can overheat. That can make them fade leaving you little braking in a stop, and it also can burn them up.

You also have brakes while backing up.

Electric brakes for boat trailers are reliable. They use all stainless parts and sealed wiring. They also feature flush fittings for salt water flushing.

 

[fondafj]

Re: Any advantage to elec brakes?

The best of both worlds is electric over hydraulic. This uses the existing hydraulic brake system and a high pressure electric pump that is controlled by a cab brake controller. It is an easy conversion from surge brakes and a dream to use.