Can a surge trailer be converted

[WYRD]

I have surge brakes on my trailer now and want to change to electric, is that possible or cost effective? What is involved? Thanks.
Shane
WYRD

[dirty old man]

Of course, its very easy, and costly, but worth while, done it to my last couple of boat trailers. Check with your boat dealer/service dept

[H20 Toie]

Change it to electric over hydralic from what i understand they have systems now that work great.

[WYRD]

Change it to electric over hydralic from what i understand they have systems now that work great.
I am not happy with the stopping power of the surge brakes now. I tow other trailers and the electric controller I have works so much better with alot heavier of a load (10-11klbs) If it is cost effective I would love to do that with the boat trailer.

[Run_em_Hard]

WYRD...get ahold of my old man. I do believe that he knows quite a bit about this subject.

[WYRD]

WYRD...get ahold of my old man. I do believe that he knows quite a bit about this subject.
Have him call or email me when you see him. Thanks.

[H20 Toie]

I am not happy with the stopping power of the surge brakes now. I tow other trailers and the electric controller I have works so much better with alot heavier of a load (10-11klbs) If it is cost effective I would love to do that with the boat trailer.
But how well are electric brakes going to work after being sumerged in the water.
The surge brakes on my myco trailer work great.

[OCMerrill]

I converted my Hensley trailer from surge to Electric. Bonus here was I converted to a removable trailer tongue as well.
http://www.fultonperformance.com/products.php?group=3&subgroup=4
I used the new "Sharkskin Coated" brake assemblies that resist corrosion and are designed to boat applications. I made my own little waterproof battery break away box as well. The total I spent on parts and a controller for my truck and my motor home was less than $700 doing the work myself.
I had a bad surge system, bent actuator coupler so I needed repairs anyway.
Electric over hydraulic is also a very cool way to go. With this method you can use Disk Brakes! But the cost for my light weight 21' Lavey was not justified.
Now I just have a STD lightweight 2" coupler instead of that hungus garbage hyd. coupler that did nothing.

[RitcheyRch]

Not to hi-jack this thread but how expensive would it be to add brakes to a trailer that doesnt have any? I thought about calling Allen Hensley up see what he thought. Or do you guys know any other places that could do that work?
I converted my Hensley trailer from surge to Electric. Bonus here was I converted to a removable trailer tongue as well.
I used the new "Sharkskin Coated" brake assemblies that resist corrosion and are designed to boat applications. I made my own little waterproof battery break away box as well. The total I spent on parts and a controller for my truck and my motor home was less than $700 doing the work myself.
I had a bad surge system, bent actuator coupler so I needed repairs anyway.
Electric over hydraulic is also a very cool way to go. With this method you can use Disk Brakes! But the cost for my light weight 21' Lavey was not justified.
Now I just have a STD lightweight 2" coupler instead of that hungus garbage hyd. coupler that did nothing.

[OCMerrill]

I know Trailrite Trailers in Santa Ana does work on most anyones trailer. You could try them but they might be a little far from you.
Al Hensley of Hensley trailers? I tried to find them 6 months ago with no luck. I thought out of business?

[RitcheyRch]

Yes, Al Hensley of Hensley Trailers. I dont know him personally but do know of him through Chuck Gunther when it was Hensley/Gunther Trailers in Sun Valley.
QUOTE=OCMerrill]I know Trailrite Trailers in Santa Ana does work on most anyones trailer. You could try them but they might be a little far from you.
Al Hensley of Hensley trailers? I tried to find them 6 months ago with no luck. I thought out of business?[/QUOTE]

[GunninGopher]

Not to hi-jack this thread but how expensive would it be to add brakes to a trailer that doesnt have any? I thought about calling Allen Hensley up see what he thought. Or do you guys know any other places that could do that work?
My trailer was already set up for hydrolic brakes when I got it. I replaced everything except the drums and spent about $700, doing some of the work myself.
You will need to buy 2 brake assemblies, 2 drum/hubs, brake line and an actuator (coupler). Plus you may need to have the assembly mount welded on the axle if it isn't already there. It is square with 4 bolt holes.
I had the lines and actuator installed at AA equipment (formerly Aros Trailer) in El Cajon, but I was suprised at how unhappy I was with the work since they have a good reputation. I will look elsewhere in the future. I have only played around with a MIG welder and I feel I could have done a better job. They didn't even prime or paint over the welds and would have rusted overnight if I had let them sit. They left cavities in the beads, didn't properly prep the weld areas and they also left some wire in the welds.