Newbie with 2002 230 Signature

[Lazy Daze]

Interesting points - and I didn't think about fresh water only. I guess I'd still be wary, but that's only because I haven't used them or installed them (with the anticipation of salt water use). No argument here that they'll work better than surge, though!

Did you go with disc brakes? From what you wrote I get the impression that the trailer originally had drum and you were using that as your comparison. Disc brakes are more reliable than drums and hooked up to an EOH system, are pretty much bullet proof.

An EOH "master cylinder" is MUCH more reliable and long-lasting than the typical "in the tongue" MC. It's not even a traditional MC - it's an entirely different beast all together. But, it sounds like you did your homework and I wish you the best!

Don't make the mistake/assumption that because it only had brakes on one axle that it's OK. Sometimes people will order a boat trailer and to save about $250 (yup, that's about all it costs at time of manufacturer) they'll only get brakes on one. That's a heavy boat and SHOULD have brakes on both. Even with brakes on both axles, the rig is not going to stop as fast as compared to the truck by itself. Now you've got 50% less stopping ability on the trailer side. The electric will surely work better than surge, but it's not going to be enough to overcome the loss of two more brakes. I would seriously caution you to reconsider and T-in a 2nd brake kit. Since you obviously have the backing plates on the axle, this is pretty easy thing to do.

You can NEVER go wrong with more brakes. But you can go wrong by not having enough. Remember, we're not (should not, anyways) making decisions on how many brakes to have based on "normal" driving. It should be based on how much braking do you want to be available to you in an emergency situation to help keep you and your family safe.

 

[Gary Lewis]

The trailer had drum brakes and I went back with drum as electric discs don't appear to be all that common. The reason seems to be in the way drums work vs discs. The electric brakes have an electromagnet that gets pulled against the flat inside of the drum when energized. And, since it is off-center it imparts a force on the brake linkage that moves the shoes into contact with the drum. But, that kind of motion doesn't work with discs, so the option of electric discs didn't show up in my searches.

Also, thinking of dunking electrical things in the water, the only electrical component is the electromagnet and it is sealed. So, there's nothing else that is different than hydraulic. And the electromagnet is easily and cheaply replaced. In fact, for about $45 the whole brake unit, meaning backing plate, shoes, and electromagnet can be purchased. So, I think they will be more reliable as well as easier to repair, should that be needed, than dunking hydraulic cylinders containing hygroscopic fluid in the water.

As as for having brakes on one axle, that's the way all of the trailers for boats of this size come - at least in this area. I've looked at many, MANY of them and they are all that way. And, I got prices on two new trailers for similar boats from top-name manufacturers and that's how they quoted them. Plus, Oklahoma law doesn't require brakes on both axles - I checked. However, I like the idea of brakes on both axles and seriously considered doing it as I did this conversion. But, the conversion ran into a lot more money than I anticipated, mainly because I bought from the local trailer guy instead of buying from Amazon - I was consulting with him so felt I should buy from him. And, I realized that I'm going to take the boat 7 miles to the lake and leave it this spring, and the 7 miles home at the end of the season, so 2-axle brakes won't be an issue.

However, we are now tentatively talking about towing the boat a few hundred miles closer to our son and his family for a weekend this summer. And, we are planning a trip to Lake Powell in a year or two. Further, I'm shopping for a new pickup with which to make those tows easier and safer - esp since the current tow vehicle is an '81 F150 appropriately called Rusty. So, I may well add brakes on the front axle before then since I can do it for about $200, which will include a loaded backing plate as well as new drums, bearings, and seals. But, the beauty, and another reason for waiting, is that the trailer will be sans boat and, therefore, the work will be lots easier.

anyway, thanks for your input.

 

[Lazy Daze]

As as for having brakes on one axle, that's the way all of the trailers for boats of this size come - at least in this area.

That's the key right there. NJ is the same way - only requires it on one axle. All they're saying is that it satisfies the minimal requirement mandated by the state. But that doesn't mean it's the best or safest way to do it. Think of it this way - in some countries it's OK (allowed) to pump out your head while you're still in the marina... but just because it's allowed doesn't mean it's right.

I understand why you chose brakes on one axle - you were going off the recommendation and experience of those around you. No one can fault you for that. But that's why I'm stepping in - to try and correct some ill-conceived notions that single axle brakes on a heavy boat is "OK" simply because "that's how it's done around here". If it was just some slow, back-roads to the marina twice a year - sure, no big deal. But for regular trailering... not so good. Again, this is not directed at you - more at the people who are giving you bad advice.

It's been so long since I've even considered using electric brakes, you might be right and they might be more reliable (especially in fresh water only) now-a-days.

 

[Gary Lewis]

I understand what you are saying and appreciate the guidance. At present the trailer will go to and from the lake, 7 miles each way, twice a year. So the brakes are adequate. But, yesterday I ordered a 2015 F150 that will tow the boat with ease, so it may get towed more frequently. If that happens the extra brakes will get installed.

 

[Lazy Daze]

I don't mean to "hound" on that topic, and I hope it didn't come across that way. It was just to dispel some of the, albeit good intentioned, "myths" out there about was is OK. Safety.

Did you get the turbo V6? That's a pretty mean truck with that engine. I was looking at those about a month ago and might end up with one.

 

[Gary Lewis]

Trust me, I want to err on the side of safety. After all, the most important people on earth, to me, will probably be in the truck pulling the boat.

And, speaking of the truck, I got the larger of the two V6 EcoBoosts. Ford came out with the 3.5L EB several years ago, but for 2015 they came out with the 2.7 EB, which has newer technology and more power per liter. However, it's tow rating is "only" 7000 lbs, and since the boat can easily reach 6,000 with fuel and belongings that seemed too little. So we added the Max Tow package and that requires the 3.5L EB. But, with a 12,200 lb rating we are probably safe. :grin:

 

[Gary Lewis]

Got the boat in the lake today. The brakes work but don't have enough power to slide the tires with the boat on the trailer. But without the boat they sure do. So, another set of brakes will go on before the trek to Powell.

And, the boat runs well, but only 49 true/GPS at 4800 RPM with two onboard and a full tank of fuel. Obviously I'll need to re-prop. But, overall we love the boat! Got it on the lift and all is well!

 

[atxmudder]

Deleted...Realizing I just responded to an old thread! Thanks for all of the above info, however, it seems useful to my 97 230 as well!!!