| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Phillbo |
Posted - Mar 18 2012 : 12:30:26
Hi all, I'm looking to buy a boat and the owner told me the trailer has electric brakes. I only have experience with surge brakes so I'm interesting in learning how the electric set up works and is it an issue with dunking then in the water when I launch the boat at the lake( do they need to be unplugged while submerged?)... Any education on usage and adjusting them (truck has a built in controller) would be appreciated.
Thanks |
| 9 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Thudpucker |
Posted - Mar 22 2012 : 13:28:29
Sounds like that seller is passing a stolen boat! |
| Phillbo |
Posted - Mar 21 2012 : 19:36:00
Thanks for all the input guys. I got to see the trailer today and it's got surge brakes , not electric. Seller is kind of a goober... Glad he has tons of maintenance records because I would walk if I thought he was doing all the work on the boat.
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| graybeard |
Posted - Mar 21 2012 : 19:22:56
If it has electric brakes it most probably has a 7 pin connector. Not all the pins will be hot depending on the configuration. The 7 pin connector is standard for RV's and will have aprovision for charging the battery in the RV off the tow vehicle system. |
| Phillbo |
Posted - Mar 20 2012 : 12:40:58
Great info guys... Thanks.
One more dumb noob question..When you plug in the trailer brakes does that connection also power the trailer lights or will it also have a flat plug? I'm assuming the one connection powers all. |
| GSENT |
Posted - Mar 19 2012 : 07:58:16
Standard electric brakes work by energizing a magnet that will stick to the inside of your drum, which in turn, applies the brakes.
On the other hand, there is a set up called electric over hydraulic, which cost a lot more money, and is used for larger applications.
Both work excellent, and do work in reverse. When backing a larger cruiser down the ramp, you want brakes that work. Surge brakes do not work going backwards.
As far as adjusting them, it varies with the controllers.
Use the instructions for your controller. Modern technology has changed these controllers, and all do not work the same. I use a Prodigy controller, capable of handling 4 axles, and it is smooth, and easy to learn how to use. Good Luck. |
| whitecrystal1 |
Posted - Mar 18 2012 : 22:14:09
There is no master cylinder or any kind of hydraulic system on mine. I have pulled the wheels to adjust the brakes before and I did see the electromagnets when I had it apart. As I recall the shoes and adjusters were similar if not the same as what you see on hydraulic systems. The electromagnets are in place of the wheel cylinders. |
| Michael Clemensen |
Posted - Mar 18 2012 : 20:40:29
Electromagnets, When I Googled "How electric trailer brakes work" the answer on ehow(dot)com explained them quite well.
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| Phillbo |
Posted - Mar 18 2012 : 13:11:14
How does the system work ? Is there brake fluid in a master cylinder that is electrically actuated and the drums work the same as any other system or is electricity delivered to each wheel cylinder to actuate the pads out against the drums?
Like I said .. total noob to this system and have not seen the trailer yet. |
| whitecrystal1 |
Posted - Mar 18 2012 : 12:47:39
I've had them on mine since 2004 with no issue. I don't want to give wrong advice but, I never unplug mine when I launch it. With the boat unloaded the brakes do lock up anytime they are applied so I have to back the setting down to prevent that. |
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