Can surge brakes be converted to electric on trailer? If so, anyone do it?

04FV270riverrat

Has anyone converted their trailer from surge to regular electric brakes? My 270 has surge brakes on the trailer. They seem to work fine, just every time I stop and take off I can feel the plunger going in and out and then kinda jerks as it catches once I take off. My truck has the built in brake controller so I figured I might as well use it. 

Dude_Himself

I'm going to. I have a 280EC on a trailer, and I've been dragged backwards down a ramp before. It's not fun. I also hate the jerk as you start pulling forward - there's a few ways to minimize that, but they're all cheap fixes.

I'm looking at the etrailer EoH kit, specifically: https://www.etrailer.com/Brake-Actuator/Hydrastar/HBA16-252-82.html

You'll need a third axle kit if you have a triple (I do): https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Redline/9579-01.html

You'll also need an electronic brake controller that's compatible. My tow vehicle came with a Prodigy P2 wired in (but I just discovered my reverse isn't wired into the hitch - WTH?).

You'll also need a solid coupler, or to drill/bolt your current coupler. I'm thinking my nice coupler, in like new condition, is worth at lease the price of a solid coupler on the used market, so I'll buy a new solid coupler and sell mine when I'm done.

Labor is fairly straight forward - if you know how to bleed brakes you should be able to set up and calibrate your new system. Otherwise find a local trailer shop, it should be under $1500 for parts and labor.

zaverin1

I am going to say this.
properly adjusted and working surge brakes work good.
hydraulic or electric means nothing if you don’t have the weight and brakes to stop the load.
i see mid size suvs pulling large boats and trust me under emergency conditions that truck will be pushed like a toy even with electric brakes and anchor out the side.

04FV270riverrat

Alswagg said:

I will second the idea Electric via Hydraulic Brakes.  Best of both.  

electric over hydraulic is what I want.

zaverin1 said:

I am going to say this.
properly adjusted and working surge brakes work good.
hydraulic or electric means nothing if you don’t have the weight and brakes to stop the load.
i see mid size suvs pulling large boats and trust me under emergency conditions that truck will be pushed like a toy even with electric brakes and anchor out the side.

I got a 2500HD rated for 12k, tows my 270 just fine right now. I just hate the jerk every stop and takeoff from the surge brake cylinder going in and out in the hitch.