Is it possible to convert a trailer with surge brakes to electric brakes? How difficult?

Thanks
Jake

I don't see why not. You would need to get electric brake assys that will bolt on to your axles, ditch the surge unit for a standard coupler, and do some wiring. Might be a bit spendy, but I doubt hard. The only catch might be if you have some kind of oddball axle that you can't get brakes for. Then you'd have to get new axles I suppose.
Travis..

Did it on a Zieman Bobcat hauler recently at work. Really easy. Swapped out the hydrolic brakes for electric. Ran the wiring. We left the hydro controller on cause it was just easier. Just capped the lines off. PM me for more info.

there is a product that takes signal from an electric brake controller and actuates hydraulic brakes. It works well according to my friend that converted his. i am not sure if you mean convert the whole sys. or just the controll mechanism.

So are all surge brake units hydraulic? I was thinking they had a electrical supply from the controller to the brakes. I will have to research a bit more.

Campy, I will definetly shoot you a pm.

Cavstoy, do you know who sells this product?

Thanks guys

Jake

my surge was actuated hydraulically from the toungue (when the trailer over ran the hitch assembly, brakes applied). i went through a set of brake shoes in less than 2 years with very little towing. i just swapped it to electric for $105. just bought the electric baking plates w/ everything on it and ran wiring. i put a 6pin plug on my truck and trailer too. much better now. brakes don't apply on the trailer coasting down hill. my truck already had a trailer brake controller which saved some work.

Hey Bionic, where abouts do you buy the above mentioned brake parts? RV type shop? I have the controller on my tow rig as well, sounds like I just need to run brakes and wires.

Thanks

here is where I get all my trailer supplies
http://redneck-trailer.com/

it was a local trailer place. they sell trailers and do repairs. i just called a few of the trailer places and went for the one that sounded the most knowledgable and had a good price.

I will find out at work and reply asap