Hitch size question.

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Jul 25, 2008 | 05:29 AM

#16

rdollie

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From: Sammamish, WA / U.S. VI

Depends on the application. I have a boat I dip into the salty sea now and surge brakes are MUCH more reliable than electric disc brakes which don't last long in salt.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jake00

surge brakes suck

Jul 25, 2008 | 10:40 AM

#17

krewat

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From: Long Island USA

Many boat haulers and other long-haulers I've talked to like the electric brakes more.

The hydraulic surge brakes have wheel cylinders in them that don't like salt water either.

It's a toss-up.

Jul 25, 2008 | 07:47 PM

#18

rdollie

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From: Sammamish, WA / U.S. VI

The problem for an owner is that electrical connections in disc brakes fail long before components in a surge brake setup (the actuator typically doesn't get wet since it is essentially in the tongue of the trailer.)

Jul 25, 2008 | 09:24 PM

#19

krewat

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From: Long Island USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdollie

I hate to keep arguing about it, but the wheel cylinders are much more prone to going bad from corrosion than an electromagnet.

Jul 26, 2008 | 10:45 AM

#20

GVS

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Most boat trailers with surge brakes are tandom axel units and only the front axel has brakes.Seldom is the front axel dipped into water.Never have seen a boat trailer with electric brakes. Dosen't mean they aren't out there.Many people don't like surge brakes for whatever reason.I've towed with both and like both equally.

Aug 8, 2008 | 09:52 PM

#21

Gmeanie

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From: ct

WOW didn't relize there was this much to it.
What lentgh hitch would I need for a stock 250 superduty?
I see 5" 3" and 2".
Never towed anything in my life but the kid wants a VW bug and we have to pick it up soon LOL.

Aug 11, 2008 | 11:23 AM

#22

Beerstalker

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Joined: Jan 2005

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From: Peoria, IL

The amount of drop needed depends on the trailer you are using. You want the trailer to sit level when it is hooked up to the truck, so get whatever drop makes the trailer level.

Aug 11, 2008 | 04:13 PM

#23

dkf

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Joined: Mar 2007

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From: Pa

I have a 4" drop to pull my tandem axle utility trailer and its level loaded or unloaded. My trucks a stock height F-250SD with 33" tires. I always keep a 4" and 2" drop with ***** mounted in my truck because I pull different trailers.

I put Electric brakes on the boat trailer (2800lbs DOT doesn't require them) love Electric brakes super adjustable and cheap to replace.