sick of the "surge" in my surge brakes

[chris41483]

I tow my 270 Sundancer on a 2 axle ez-loader trailer with my 08 duramax cc 4x4. I am so sick of the trailer surge feel when I stop, or take off from a stop.

I have read some of the threads on this topic, and am sorry if I am making someone repeat themselves, but I need some advice on types of brakes.

I know I have basically two options; electric and electric/hydraulic. I have found lots of useful info on these in other threads, but what I would like more input on is whether or not the electric ones will hold up in saltwater, and also whether I can simply add electric/hydraulic brakes to my existing drums, or if i need to convert to discs.

I have a large gooseneck trailer with electric/hydraulic brakes, and I love the way they operate, but the pump is expensive, and I have already had to replace it on the gooseneck.

 

[Sandlapper]

I just replaced the drum brakes with disc brakes on my LoadRite alum. trailer for my 215EC. I used the replacement kit from Tie Down Engineering in Atlanta. The kit is complete with the discs, mounting plates, actuator and lines. The actuator has a built in shock that helps stop the jerking motion when you stop and start. It works off the brake fluid in the master cylinder. i have found it to be very smooth.
Go to the Tie Down web site and look at the kits. I emailed my questions to the tech support people and they emailed me back. The kits are available at West Marine and Northern Tool.
I have never used electric brakes on a boat trailer.

Larry

 

[Quint4]

I put straight electrics on my trailer and love them. I used existing drums. They have held up great...going on 3rd year in fresh water. Can't say about salt, but if you flush 'em good they may be fine.

 

[chris41483]

thanks guys for the replies. I think I am going to give the electirc/hydraulic brakes a shot. I think I can simply add the actuator to my current system. It looks like if I were to change the existing system to either discs or electric, I would spend just as much money. I would be interested in any info on someone who uses electric brakes and launches in saltwater, though, I haven't had any luch finding any.

 

[Firerooster]

I went to straight hydraulic kodiak disc brake set up. Based off a recommendation from some buddies who are salt water guys. I am on 3rd season with them.....yes all fresh water for me. But the guys I know with them in saltwater have had theirs now for 4 and 5 seasons. They still like theirs. Just fyi

 

[Firerooster]

Side note..... Hydrolic lines not rated for girlfriends teething boxer puppy! But then again neither was the drywall, door, jeep spare tire, leather sofa, flip flops, or pool table. But why he keeps the girlfriend or the dog is beyond me. That's a whole other issue.....

Retract that....lose girlfriend, keep the dog. He is at least trainable.