When it comes to towing trailers through various terrains, the question often arises: Can electric trailer brakes be submerged? Whether you’re launching a boat or navigating through flooded roads, knowing how water affects your electric trailer brakes is essential for safety and maintaining the longevity of your braking system. In this guide, we’ll dive into whether electric trailer brakes can be submerged, the impact water exposure has on their performance, and tips on how to protect and maintain your brakes in wet conditions.
Can Electric Trailer Brakes Be Submerged?
The short answer is that electric trailer brakes are not designed to be fully submerged in water. These braking systems rely on electrical components and magnets to generate friction, which helps slow down or stop the trailer. When submerged, water can interfere with the electrical connections, reduce braking effectiveness, and cause long-term damage to critical components such as the brake shoes, magnets, and wiring.
However, many trailer owners need to launch boats, drive through water, or operate in wet conditions. This means occasional water exposure is almost inevitable. While brief exposure to water may not completely ruin your brakes, it’s important to take precautions and practice proper maintenance to minimize the potential damage.
What Happens When Electric Trailer Brakes Get Wet?
When electric trailer brakes are submerged or exposed to water, several things can happen that may compromise their performance:
1. Corrosion and Rust
Water exposure can lead to corrosion and rust, particularly on metal components such as the brake drums, magnets, and brake shoes. Rust can reduce the effectiveness of the braking system and shorten the lifespan of the components. Over time, this corrosion can lead to brake failure if left unchecked.
2. Reduced Friction
The brake shoes are designed to create friction against the brake drum to slow the trailer. When submerged in water, the friction material on the brake shoes can become waterlogged, reducing their ability to generate the necessary friction. This results in less braking power and can increase stopping distances, making it more difficult to control the trailer.
3. Electrical Short Circuits
Electric trailer brakes rely on an electrical circuit to operate. When submerged, water can seep into the wiring and connections, potentially causing short circuits or other electrical issues. This can prevent the brakes from functioning properly and, in some cases, result in a complete loss of braking power.
How to Protect Electric Trailer Brakes from Water Damage
While electric trailer brakes are not meant to be submerged, there are several steps you can take to protect them from water exposure and minimize damage:
1. Use a Trailer with Marine-Grade Brakes
If you frequently launch boats or expect your trailer to be exposed to water, consider using a trailer equipped with marine-grade brakes. These brakes are designed to withstand water exposure and are typically found on boat trailers. They use corrosion-resistant materials and are often better suited for wet environments.
2. Seal Electrical Connections
Protect your electric trailer brakes by sealing all electrical connections with waterproof seals or connectors. This helps prevent water from seeping into the wires and causing electrical issues. Dielectric grease can also be applied to electrical contacts to further protect them from moisture.
3. Inspect and Maintain Brakes Regularly
Regular maintenance is crucial to keeping your electric trailer brakes in good working condition. After each exposure to water, inspect the brakes for signs of corrosion, rust, or wear. Clean and dry the components thoroughly, and replace any damaged parts immediately.
4. Use a Brake Flush System
Some trailers are equipped with brake flush systems that allow you to flush out any water from the brake system after launching a boat. This helps prevent corrosion and removes any debris that may have been picked up during submersion.
5. Avoid Prolonged Submersion
If possible, avoid prolonged submersion of your electric trailer brakes. If your trailer needs to be submerged for launching a boat, try to keep the brakes out of the water as much as possible. Once the trailer is back on dry land, allow the brakes to dry completely before towing again.
Signs That Your Electric Trailer Brakes Have Water Damage
Knowing the signs of water damage to your electric trailer brakes can help you address issues before they become serious safety concerns. Here are some indicators that your brakes may have been compromised by water:
- Squealing or Grinding Noises: If your brakes make unusual noises after being submerged, this could indicate that water has entered the brake system and caused rust or damage.
- Reduced Braking Power: If your trailer takes longer to stop or feels less responsive, water may have affected the brake shoes or electrical components.
- Visible Rust or Corrosion: Inspect the brake drums, shoes, and other metal parts for rust or corrosion. If you notice significant rust, it’s essential to address it immediately to prevent further damage.
- Faulty Electrical Connections: If the brakes are not engaging correctly or the brake controller shows an error message, this could be a sign of electrical issues caused by water exposure.
What to Do If Your Electric Trailer Brakes Get Submerged
If your electric trailer brakes have been submerged in water, here are the steps you should take to prevent further damage and restore braking performance:
- Dry the Brakes Immediately After removing the trailer from the water, allow the brakes to dry completely before towing. This may involve driving short distances to help evaporate the moisture from the brake system. Avoid towing the trailer until you are confident that the brakes are dry and functioning properly.
- Inspect for Damage Conduct a thorough inspection of the brake system for any signs of damage, including corrosion, rust, or worn-out brake shoes. Pay close attention to the wiring and connections to ensure that no water has entered the electrical system.
- Clean and Lubricate If there are signs of rust or corrosion, clean the affected parts using a wire brush or sandpaper. After cleaning, apply appropriate lubricants to moving parts to ensure smooth operation.
- Replace Damaged Components If any parts of the brake system are damaged or corroded beyond repair, replace them immediately. This may include brake shoes, magnets, or electrical components.
Conclusion
While electric trailer brakes are not designed to be submerged, occasional water exposure can be managed with the proper precautions and maintenance. By using marine-grade components, sealing electrical connections, and performing regular inspections, you can protect your brakes from water damage and ensure that they continue to function safely and efficiently. If your electric trailer brakes are ever submerged, take immediate steps to dry, inspect, and repair the system to prevent long-term damage and maintain the safety of your towing setup.