Adding trailer brakes
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 342
Likes: 6
Adding trailer brakes
Planning to pull a 20' deep V hull inboard/outboard with my 84 F-250 2wd. My buddy has been pulling it with his F-150 and stopping it has caused him some concern. I'm set up for trailer brakes on the truck. I'd like to add trailer brakes to the trailer, just for piece of mind. Trailer has dual axles, anyone done this? App. cost? Can I back it into the water with the brakes plugged into the controller? Thank, VC
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,209
Likes: 0
From: Lake Havasu City AZ
VC -
If the trailer doesn't have brakes now, check to see if the axle spindles have brake mounting flanges - if not, you'll have to install new axles or have flanges put on.
If the trailer has surge brakes, do you want to change to electric brakes?
The electrical connector should always be disconnected before putting the trailer in the water, no matter what type of brakes you've got.
Steve
If the trailer doesn't have brakes now, check to see if the axle spindles have brake mounting flanges - if not, you'll have to install new axles or have flanges put on.
If the trailer has surge brakes, do you want to change to electric brakes?
The electrical connector should always be disconnected before putting the trailer in the water, no matter what type of brakes you've got.
Steve
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,959
Likes: 9
From: USA
I would look into doing surge brakes instead of electric brakes. You can buy a surge brake/coupler unit to go on your tongue and axles with hydraulic brakes at trailer parts supply shops or ask a local boat builder where to get ahold of some locally.
Try www.etrailerpart.com
Try www.etrailerpart.com
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Charlie, I wouldn't do anything, your truck should stop the tow fine. Problem with adding brakes ito a boat trailer is making them go snorkling all of the time.
That aint good.
John
That aint good.
John
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,209
Likes: 0
From: Lake Havasu City AZ
VC -
Most states have a requirement for brakes if the boat/trailer rig is over 3000 pounds (your rig is probably in the 4500-5500 range). Not sure about Utah, but even if they're not required brakes would make your tows a lot safer. Also, some states require the tow vehicle to have the capability of applying the trailer brakes, making surge brakes illegal. I installed Fulton electric brakes on my boat trailer; they're made for marine use with powder-coating, SS springs, etc. Been on there 3 years and no corrosion problems yet.
Steve
Most states have a requirement for brakes if the boat/trailer rig is over 3000 pounds (your rig is probably in the 4500-5500 range). Not sure about Utah, but even if they're not required brakes would make your tows a lot safer. Also, some states require the tow vehicle to have the capability of applying the trailer brakes, making surge brakes illegal. I installed Fulton electric brakes on my boat trailer; they're made for marine use with powder-coating, SS springs, etc. Been on there 3 years and no corrosion problems yet.
Steve
CO River Rat
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,209
Likes: 0
From: Lake Havasu City AZ
VC -
Looks like Utah's requirement is - at 20 mph your tow vehicle/trailer has to be able to stop within 40 feet. If it can't, you need trailer brakes.
Steve
Looks like Utah's requirement is - at 20 mph your tow vehicle/trailer has to be able to stop within 40 feet. If it can't, you need trailer brakes.
Steve
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 849
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From: Leesburg , Fl.
VC , to answer your question I have done a few ( worked for an RV dealer ) .The brakes run about $100 per axle , If your axles are set up to have brakes you shoud be able to bolt on and wire a set in an hour . You will only need to put them on one axle .
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VC, I know a man who is a fishing guide and a tournament fisherman. He will tow with nothing but a Ford. Since he fishes in tournaments in several states--including states where surge brakes are illegal--he has always used electric brakes. He was replacing the magnets, etc. about twice a year! He purchased a Fulton SS Marine electric brake system four years ago and it is still as good as new!
Irregardless of the brake system utilitzed, one should ALWAYS disconnect the trailer connector before backing down the boat ramp.
Along the lines of keeping moisture out of electrical connections and assemblies, Star Brite out of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida makes a liquid electrical tape to brush on electrical connections. Brush it on and wait five minutes and you have connections impervious to water, heat, humidity, and cold. It is really awesome stuff! I do quite a bit of vehicle wiring and I use it on every harness, etc., that I build. In all the time I have used it, I have NEVER had a connection damaged by dirt and dust, water, heat, or vibration. That even includes use on farm equipment!
Irregardless of the brake system utilitzed, one should ALWAYS disconnect the trailer connector before backing down the boat ramp.
Along the lines of keeping moisture out of electrical connections and assemblies, Star Brite out of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida makes a liquid electrical tape to brush on electrical connections. Brush it on and wait five minutes and you have connections impervious to water, heat, humidity, and cold. It is really awesome stuff! I do quite a bit of vehicle wiring and I use it on every harness, etc., that I build. In all the time I have used it, I have NEVER had a connection damaged by dirt and dust, water, heat, or vibration. That even includes use on farm equipment!
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