Adding trailer brakes

I just put this set up on an older trailer. surge brakes.

Very easy install, I really haven't put any miles on the system yet but in my test drive I could feel them working.

summit,
   I did the exact thing you are asking about to my '87 trailer back in '00 when I bought our boat. I went with the drum hydraulic surge brakes. I considered disk brakes, but decided against them as I didn't find much on the market back in '00.

   Electric brakes were out due to submersion in water. Submersion in water & electric just don't mix in my book.

   I went with Dexter brakes and hubs (www.dexteraxle.com). They bolted right onto the square mounting plate you mention. I bought the free-backing version.

   I bought an Atwood actuator, and it bolted right onto the tounge of the trailer in place of the original.

   The Dexter site has a ton of info so check it out.

   I can dig out the Dexter part numbers on what I bought if you would like.

   I also jumped up a size in bearings (on the OD) when I did the upgrade. I also went with the e-coated backing plates for added corrosion resistance. It was worth a couple of extra bucks.

Glen

Thanks - I am going to go with drum surge setup. I let you know how it turns out.

-ryan

I have electric brakes on my tandem axle flat bed, and they work great in that application. The difference between the applications is that my tandem axle doesn't get the hubs submerged in water like my boat trailer.

I realize the magnets are potted, and driving in the rain doesn't pose a problem due the centrifugal effect to sling the water away from the entire brake assembly.

Again, submersion in water & electric don't go well together in my book.

I know my trailer lights get submerged, but I don't have much choice there. At least they are somewhat sealed. I do unplug them before I back into the water.

JMHO.

Glen