Ordering a new boat and I was wondering what type of brakes would be best? This would be a tandem axle trailer that would sometimes be towed by a slightly less than ideal towing vehicle (Buick Enclave w/tow package). Would electric disk brakes be that much better? I assume surge brakes is standard.
thanks
Would electric disk brakes be that much better?
In a word, yes. Not sure on the cost difference up front or maintenance, but the few trailers I have pulled with electric brakes stop much better than surge. I’m not even sure I’ve seen boat trailers with electric brakes on them, though.
You’ll also have to have a brake controller installed (if you don’t have one), but they’re fairly inexpensive.
I have never heard of electric brakes on a boat trailer. I would think electric brakes in water is a bad idea even if you unplug before you back in. I could be wrong though. Maybe get brakes on both axles to help the Buick out stopping.
You want disk brakes for sure. They are usually activated by a trailer tongue surge system. Best system would be disk brakes with electric over hydraulic. Doubt anyone offers that. Etrailer and such sell a controller to do that but they run about $500.
With that size of tow vehicle I would recommend getting brakes on both axels and go with the std surge activation.
I have electric on my boat trailer and love them as they actually have stoping power and work when needed. I used to fish in the winter more and it was nice to know they were back when I needed them. The surge was shot on my rig and I was told they are not worth fixing once they break. I do have to unplug them before dumping in (forgot plenty of times and not had an issues), but it’s never been an issue. I would feel ok pulling a decent stopping rig if then breaks actually work like like that if slightly undersized.
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