Making the switch from surge brakes to electric trailer brakes is an easy and
efficient way to enhance the safety of both yourself and other drivers on the road.
This is especially relevant if you currently utilize surge brakes.
Electric over hydraulic brakes use an electrical pulse from your in-cab proportional
controller to pump hydraulic fluid through an actuator on your trailer, acting like disc or drum brakes.
They’re Easy to Install
Most trucks, vans and SUVs manufactured within the past five years already feature
a quick-connect plug under their dashboard for connecting standard electric brake
controllers; newer proportional electric brake controllers detect changes in
momentum of towing vehicles to adjust braking power as necessary.
Electric brake controllers vary the voltage from 0-12 volts and deliver it directly to
the trailer’s brake actuator for consistent braking force, unlike surge brakes which
offer only limited consistency in this regard.
If your system is relatively modern, you can check its brake voltage by connecting
one lead of a multimeter to the blue wire connected to your controller (this wire
serves as output to your brakes). Have someone in the vehicle hold down on their
brake pedal while you adjust adjustment controls on the controller – system voltage
should fluctuate accordingly and indicate whether your controller is functioning as
expected; otherwise it could indicate either that one of its fuses has burned out or
there may be shorts somewhere within its circuitry.
They’re Cheaper
Electric drum brakes offer an affordable way to meet breakaway requirements on a
tight budget, though they do not possess as much stopping power as hydraulic ones.
Electric-over-hydraulic brakes combine the components of both hydraulic systems
(i.e. the actuator and brake calipers) with those of an electric system – an in-cab
proportional controller converts an electrical signal from the tow vehicle into
mechanical pressure that’s sent via high pressure lines to activate trailer brakes that
use hydraulic disc or drum brakes.
No matter which brakes you select, both need to be regularly monitored and
adjusted in order to remain functional. We advise partnering with a certified trailer
service professional as they will be able to identify all necessary parts and
accessories needed for maintaining them as well as helping select an ideal system
suited for your application.
They Don’t Have as Much Stopping Power
With electric brakes, your tow vehicle’s controller sends signals to electromagnets
within each wheel hub or axle assembly and these generate friction against two
metal plates to stop or slow the trailer. Meanwhile, hydraulic disc cylinders contain
fluid which generates stopping power.
Hydraulic systems can generate up to 1,000 pounds of pressure and work reliably
even under extreme weather conditions, with longer lifespan and lower maintenance
requirements than electric brakes.
EOH brakes require a special actuator which must be mounted to your trailer and
should never be submerged, according to manufacturers’ recommendations.
Therefore, power washing an EOH system while on water may spread invasive
species like quagga mussels. However, you still can use one on your boat trailer; just
ensure a breakaway kit is installed should an actuator become disconnected from its trailer.
They’re More Expensive
Electric brakes tend to be cheaper to buy and maintain than hydraulic ones;
however, their stopping power may not meet that of their hydraulic counterparts,
making them unsuitable for heavier trailers.
Electric Over Hydraulic (EOH) brakes use hydraulics, but are controlled via an
electrical signal from your tow vehicle instead of being pressurized by rods pressing
against their cylinders. This allows you to take greater control over braking in
slippery or off-road conditions by independently managing brake action on both
vehicles and trailers independently from one another.
For precise braking control, choose a proportional controller which continuously
monitors the rate of deceleration from your tow vehicle and adjusts brake pressure
from your trailer accordingly – this will create a smoother stopping experience while
lessening wear on its brakes. Alternatively, opt for an inertia-based controller which
senses when it senses slowing vehicle and then applies brakes accordingly.