LittleBill21
Elite Member
if you changes vehicle regularly etrailer sells a prodigy kit where the entire brake controller is on the trailer, all you get inside the vehicle is a wireless controller. that maybe easier for you.
Good aspects about safety guys, i rented uhaul trailers 26 times in the past year or so so I guess I am just used to trailer with out brakes. Also, since I leave, I'm not too concerned about the wear and tear too too much.
From what I've read, sounds like these brakes need to be maintained yearly, is that accurate? Looks like JD and 45 never had any issues, but any other maintenance costs?
I like the wireless brake controller, i was looking at the curt one.
I live in north NJ, and maintain all my equipment, but trailer brake and controllers I don't deal with, and with shop rates what they are, I really don't want this trailer to be a cash cow.
My 1999 skid steer trailer came with surge brakes. After years of replacing ruined tires due to one or another wheel locking up, I converted it to an electric brake system (still drum brakes) with a controller. Never have had a problem since.View attachment 589421View attachment 589427
I have never seen electric brakes before I came to Canada.
In Europe trailers over +/- 1000 pounds have brakes. Surge brakes, either with steel cable, or hydraulic. No controller needed.
There is a third safety cable that pulls the hand brake on the trailer if a trailer comes loose from the towing vehicle. The handbrake can also be used if the trailer is parked.
The harder you brake with the towing vehicle, the harder the trailer brakes. No adjustment needed on a controller.
This system is superior to electric! As an retired electrician I would never trust electric brakes. Would you drive a car with electric brakes?
First ask yourself this;
Would you buy a car, truck, or motorcycle with drum brakes ?
I would NOT !
I would ABSOLUTELY go with a trailer WITH brakes.
Regardless of local or State laws, even an un-braked single ton flapping around behind you is a PROBLEM in an emergency.
but, here's the BUTT !
Why "electric" brakes ?
Look on e-trailer some time at axles with (electric) drums, look again at same rated axles with disks, on some load ratings the disks are cheaper - and of course the maintenance cost is incredibly less.
So where's the catch ?
Right here; you ALSO need an hydraulic brake controller (basically an electrically driven hydraulic pump) and those are expensive. The trailer also needs the "plumbing" of hydraulic lines, so that also adds to the cost of the trailer.
I suggest/recommend that you go back to the dealer and ask what the price would be with DISKS, also what the cost of the hydraulic brake controller would be.
Terminology; This is often referred to as an "electric over hydraulic" system.
You still need the brake controller for the tow vehicle and as far as that controller is concerned the trailer appears to have electric brakes.