Should I convert to electric brakes?

[Sacamano]

The chrome wore off the piston on one of my brake calipers on a ShoreLand'r trailer several years ago. It sticks about once a season and I have to rebuild it. I am sick of it.

A local trailer shop did not recommend replacing it with another USP caliper. They have a 10" kit (two new calipers, etc) they will install for $550. Or, they will put electric brakes on it for $500-$600. I am thinking of going this route. I would need to install a brake controller in my 4Runner too. Thoughts?

 

[Bruce]

If you do not boat in salt water I would go with electric brakes. $600 seems overpriced but they are doing the work.

Whatever you do please make sure those brakes are working if you are towing a 242 with a 4 runner.

 

[Sacamano]

Thanks Bruce. How hard is it to install myself?

 

[Bruce]

Thanks Bruce. How hard is it to install myself?

The brakes should bolt onto the axles then you run wires to the connector at the tongue. I would use as many galvanized or rated for water parts as possible. The electro magnets are sealed up so as long as the wiring is sealed water should not be an issue for the electrical components.

 

[Jgorm]

I'm a huge fan of electric brakes and a good brake controller. I might do the conversion myself.

 

[Kevin1741]

Another option is electric over hydraulic where you retain your existing brake system with exception of the coupler.

 

[Wayloncle]

I'd love electric brakes, I get tired of the THUNK when I start moving from a stop.

When I get a new trailer I'll put electric on it.

 

[Sacamano]

I dropped it off at the trailer shop. I am getting electric on both axels. I will report how well it works.

I opted for the brakes that do NOT auto adjust. The service technician said the auto adjust brakes run with a tighter tolerance since they always adjust and click out after they wear a bit. So they wear out quicker and can rub and get warm. I'll have to manually adjust them once a season.

 

[Sacamano]

Love the brakes so far. The first thing I noticed is that annoying thunk of the surge tongue is now gone. I have taken it on a few short tips and it stops great. I have a longer trip planned in June.

 

[Benny Sibbitt]

Any electric brake solutions for salt water use

 

[Chris K]

Would love to see a breakdown of parts used for your conversion. I have a 2014 242 and I assume its the same trailer. would love to swap out the surge for electric as well.

 

[Sacamano]

I had a local trailer shop swap the brakes so I do not have a parts list. If you are handy it does not seem like it would be too difficult to do yourself. eTrailer.com may have some how-to videos and I am sure they would have all the parts. I just finished a 500 mile trip and I am still pleased with the swap.

I purchased this brake controller: https://www.etrailer.com/Brake-Controller/Tekonsha/90195.html

 

[Wayloncle]

Love the brakes so far. The first thing I noticed is that annoying thunk of the surge tongue is now gone. I have taken it on a few short tips and it stops great. I have a longer trip planned in June.

Do you know what was done to the trailer tongue to keep it from moving in and out? Like, is the lockout key just permanently in place?

 

[Sacamano]

They welded the tongue in place and painted it to match the trailer. I'll snap a pic next time I am next to the trailer. They also removed the brake reservoir.

 

[Sacamano]

Photos of the breakaway switch, battery for the breakaway brakes, welded coupler, and a drum.

 

[Sacamano]

Any electric brake solutions for salt water use

I was told there are flush ports to rinse the inside of the drums. However since I do not boat in salt water I did not investigate it further.

 

[giroux68]

Etrailer stuff is great. I installed that brand of controller on my sienna for a camper. Worked great. Easy to use. Took a few hours to install, but straight forward. Their video made a huge difference.