Boat trailer brakes are an essential component of a boat trailer that provide additional safety and control while towing. They are designed to help the towing vehicle stop the trailer and prevent it from pushing the vehicle forward. There are three main types of boat trailer brakes: hydraulic surge brakes, hydraulic disc brakes, and electric over hydraulic brakes.
Hydraulic surge brakes are the most common type of boat trailer brakes. They work by using the trailer’s momentum to activate the brakes. When the towing vehicle slows down, the trailer surges forward, which activates the brakes. Hydraulic surge brakes are easy to install and require minimal maintenance. They are also less expensive than other types of brakes.
Hydraulic disc brakes are another type of boat trailer brakes. They work by using hydraulic pressure to activate the brakes. They are more expensive than hydraulic surge brakes, but they offer better stopping power and are more reliable. Hydraulic disc brakes are also less prone to fading, which can occur when the brakes get too hot.
Electric over hydraulic brakes are the most advanced type of boat trailer brakes. They work by using an electrically powered actuator to create hydraulic pressure. They are controlled by the towing vehicle’s braking system and offer the best stopping power of all three types of brakes. Electric over hydraulic brakes are also the most expensive and require the most maintenance.
When selecting boat trailer brakes, it is important to choose a type that is compatible with the towing vehicle’s braking system. The brakes should be rated for the maximum weight of the trailer to ensure that they can handle the load. It is also important to choose brakes that are easy to install and maintain.