Advanced trailering tips

Dave R · 09-30-2015, 07:33 AM

Thought of another tip. This one's a bit counter-intuitive, but hear me out. If you have surge drum brakes, replace them with electric drum brakes and immobilize or replace your surge coupler. Electric brakes are simpler, less susceptible to problems from being submerged hot and require less repair over time. They are also much more effective because they engage instantly. They are also REALLY cheap. If you have 3500 Lb Dexter axles (very common trailer axles) you can get complete and pre-assembled backing plate/brake assemblies for 37 bucks per wheel. You re-use your drums.

The only electric part on an electric brake is a completely encapsulated electromagnet. It has zero issues with being submerged. The rest of the parts are simple mechanical devices that are no more complex than hydraulic brake parts.

I did this switch a few years ago and other than self-inflicted problems, it's been trouble-free. Prior to this, I was replacing one or two wheel cylinders a year and dealing with bleeding and such.

09-30-2015, 07:33 AM	#22
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,985 Thanks: 246 Thanked 744 Times in 444 Posts	Thought of another tip. This one's a bit counter-intuitive, but hear me out. If you have surge drum brakes, replace them with electric drum brakes and immobilize or replace your surge coupler. Electric brakes are simpler, less susceptible to problems from being submerged hot and require less repair over time. They are also much more effective because they engage instantly. They are also REALLY cheap. If you have 3500 Lb Dexter axles (very common trailer axles) you can get complete and pre-assembled backing plate/brake assemblies for 37 bucks per wheel. You re-use your drums. The only electric part on an electric brake is a completely encapsulated electromagnet. It has zero issues with being submerged. The rest of the parts are simple mechanical devices that are no more complex than hydraulic brake parts. I did this switch a few years ago and other than self-inflicted problems, it's been trouble-free. Prior to this, I was replacing one or two wheel cylinders a year and dealing with bleeding and such.