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Old 04-14-2012, 05:10 AM   #12
Belmont Resident
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Location: Belmont NH but prefer Jackman Maine
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave R View Post
The electric brake parts on my Dexter axles are made of the same materials as the hydraulic brake parts. The only difference is the electric brakes have a sealed electromagnet actuator that grabs the the brake drum and uses the rotational energy in it to apply the brakes. The only potential for problems that's different than hydraulic is the wiring to the magnets. If it's not executed in a "marine wiring" manner, it will corrode from being submerged and fail. Frankly, I expect the electric brakes to last longer than the hydraulic brakes, which I had to repair numerous times. If they do fail, I can get complete replacements for 37 bucks a wheel.

There is no reason to fear dunking electric brakes in fresh water, if you see how they work, you'll understand why. The "electronics" are just a big sealed hockey-puck-like electromagnet on each wheel If you routinely dunk in salt, SS disc brakes would probably your best bet. I rarely dunk my trailer in salt water.
I just called Joe at Trailer outlet and inquired about this. Unfortunately with disk brakes on the trailer it is not an option. Actually it is an option but very expensive. He says there is an electronic actuator that activates the surge brake. So it is an electro-surge bake.
Very expensive to buy and install from what I was told. For the 2 times a year the trailer is used not at al worth it, although we are taking the boat up to Moosehead lake this year for vacation and thought it would make it an easier trip from here to 95 on all those back roads.
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