Electric trailer brakes or elec/hyd actuator ?

[Quint4]

Well when this snow melts my first order of business is to get my trailer brakes squared away. I moved up to a 290da and will be trailering it. The current set-up is surge brakes. I want good brakes and braking ability while backing down the ramp. I am considering adding a elec/hydraulic unit (Brakerite) and bypassing the surge brake actuator. I have also been checking out electric brakes. I see Fulton has electric brake assemblies for boat trailers. They say they are completely waterproof and saltwater tested ( I am in freshwater )This is appealing to just replace the entire assembly on four wheels and have new pads etc. for what a elec/hyd actuator is gonna cost me. Anybody have electric brakes on their trailers ? I will be trailering about every week April - Sept. Thanks for any info.

 

[Quint4]

Well I'm leaning towards straight electrics. Some big name trailer manufacturers are now offering them on boat trailers and I already have a brake controller in my truck. I'll let everyone know how the install goes.

 

[dpvandy01]

I know that on new trailers surge brakes are not even legal. There's probablly a reason for that?.. Also if you go with electric you can put a WD hitch which will help a bunch with handling. Just faxed my order to Loadmaster for mine an hour ago.:smt038:smt038

 

[Quint4]

Lt. Dan what brand electrics does loadmaster use ?

 

[Presentation]

Sway bars are for sissies.

Having such a big two rig and powerful breaks takes all the fun out of it.

What’s the worst that could possibly happen?

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=fc8_1204756827&p=1

 

[dpvandy01]

Quint, I hate to be such an uneducated consumer, but to answer your question.................. 6 (one for each wheel):huh: wow, sounds like I just asked my wife about our outdrive:lol:

 

[Quint4]

Oh hell who cares...lets go boating !

 

[dpvandy01]

Oh hell who cares...lets go boating !

Well I'm caring about the massive amounts or water in the cockpit.... I've posted my plan and nada, nine, niette, zilch,,,,,, well you get the picture.... picture? Picture?? PICTURES???? that might just be it... I'll get the digital and get busy. I'm on duty for 48hrs but I'll be back after it on Thursday, pix in hand........................................................................................................


Man that was a potential hijack.... sorry brother

 

[SearayPaul]

Brakerite is the accuator I am going to get along with a prodigy controller. The heavy haulers use this combination.

 

[Woody]

I know that on new trailers surge brakes are not even legal. There's probablly a reason for that?.. Also if you go with electric you can put a WD hitch which will help a bunch with handling. Just faxed my order to Loadmaster for mine an hour ago.:smt038:smt038

Are you saying that surge brakes aren't legal in your state or not legal anywhere?

 

[dpvandy01]

Are you saying that surge brakes aren't legal in your state or not legal anywhere?

Not legal in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, or Tennesee as far as I know. Those are the stated I tow through. I think this only applies to new builds. I don't think it is applied retroactively but I can't say for certain

 

[Woody]

There is confusion on the legality of surge brakes. I suggest a person be fimiliar with the rules of the states they tow in. There is a misunderstanding when it comes to regs for commercial/interstate/intrastate use vs private use. I would hate to see anyone rule out surge brakes because they think they are illegal.

 

[dpvandy01]

There is confusion on the legality of surge brakes. I suggest a person be fimiliar with the rules of the states they tow in. There is a misunderstanding when it comes to regs for commercial/interstate/intrastate use vs private use. I would hate to see anyone rule out surge brakes because they think they are illegal.

I'm just going on what Loadmaster told me.. they wont build with surge brakes

 

[Just Right]

I love my Electric over Hyd - but watch out about your controller because at least one of the Elec-Hyd acctuators will not work right with the digital prodigy. The trailer shop swapped my used prodigy for a new analog controller and installed at no charge.

 

[Woody]

I'm just going on what Loadmaster told me.. they wont build with surge brakes

Check out their website, if you want the trailer with surge they will build it with surge. Ya, I know what your thinking, why would they tell you that they won't build them with surge brakes? Sounds like you ordered a nice trailer though.

 

[Quint4]

Hey JUST RIGHT...what brand actuator do you have ? As far as electric brakes go, Fulton makes 'em just for boat trailers :

http://www.fultonperformance.com/Brakes/PDF/Ceq-Brakes-pgs12-23.pdf