7 Benefits of a Boat Trailer with Surge Brakes

Boat trailers are essential for transporting watercraft to and from the water, but not all trailers are created equal. One key feature that can significantly improve the safety and ease of transporting your boat is surge brakes.

These are hydraulic brakes that activate automatically when the trailer slows down or stops. This makes them a popular choice for boat owners who prioritize safety, efficiency, and ease of use.

In this article, we’ll explore the seven main benefits of having a boat trailer with surge brakes.

1. Enhanced Safety While Towing

Safety is paramount when towing a boat, especially if you’re navigating winding roads, steep inclines, or highways. One of the primary benefits of surge brakes is their ability to enhance overall safety.

Unlike traditional trailer brakes that rely on a connection to the towing vehicle, surge brakes engage automatically as the towing vehicle decelerates.

This helps to prevent the trailer from pushing forward against the tow vehicle. It also reduces the risk of jackknifing or losing control, especially when coming to a sudden stop.

One of the most important surge brake advantages is that your boat trailer is more responsive, making your towing experience safer for both you and other drivers on the road.

2. Low Maintenance Compared to Electric Brakes

Electric brakes involve a more complex system that includes wiring, brake controllers, and electrical connections between the tow vehicle and the trailer. Surge brakes, on the other hand, are:

• Self-contained
• Do not rely on a separate controller or electrical wiring

Because there are fewer components, there’s less that can go wrong with surge brakes. This reduces the time and money spent on repairs and upkeep. Surge brakes are, thus, an ideal option for boat owners who want a reliable braking system without the hassle of regular maintenance.

3. Automatic Activation for Ease of Use

Surge brakes are designed for convenience, as they engage automatically based on the movement between the trailer and the towing vehicle. When the tow vehicle slows down or stops, the forward momentum of the trailer compresses a hydraulic cylinder, which then activates the trailer brakes.

This automatic activation means that there’s no need for a brake controller inside the tow vehicle. You don’t have to manually adjust settings or apply the trailer brakes separately. This simplicity makes surge brakes an excellent choice for those who are new to towing or prefer a more user-friendly experience.

4. Improved Control During Emergency Stops

One of the most dangerous situations when towing a boat is having to make an emergency stop. Whether it’s a sudden obstacle in the road or an unexpected traffic situation, stopping a heavy load quickly and safely is challenging. Surge brakes significantly improve control during emergency stops.

As soon as you apply the brakes in the tow vehicle, the surge brakes kick in automatically. It applies force to the trailer brakes in proportion to the deceleration of the vehicle.

This ensures that the trailer slows down in sync with the tow vehicle, preventing the trailer from colliding with the back of your vehicle. This synchronized braking greatly reduces the likelihood of an accident in an emergency situation.

5. No Need for Electrical Connections

Surge brakes offer a distinct advantage in that they do not require any electrical connections between the trailer and the tow vehicle. Electric brakes, by contrast, need wiring and a brake controller to function. This can be problematic if there’s a failure in the electrical system, leading to a loss of braking power.

With surge brakes, you don’t have to worry about electrical malfunctions. The system is entirely mechanical, relying on hydraulic pressure rather than electricity.

This makes surge brakes a more reliable option, especially for those who frequently trailer their boats in wet or marine environments. This is where electrical components may be more prone to corrosion or damage.

6. Better for Use in Wet Conditions

Boat trailers are regularly exposed to water, especially when launching and retrieving boats from the water. Electrical brake systems can be vulnerable in these wet conditions, as water exposure can cause electrical shorts or corrosion over time.

Surge brakes, being hydraulic and mechanical, are much better suited for use in wet environments.

The sealed hydraulic system used in surge brakes is resistant to water damage, ensuring that the brakes continue to function properly even after repeated exposure to moisture. This makes surge brakes the preferred choice for boat owners who regularly trailer their boats in and out of the water, especially in saltwater conditions where corrosion can be a serious concern.

7. No Brake Controller Needed

A brake controller is an electronic device that regulates the trailer’s brakes based on the braking pressure applied by the tow vehicle. While brake controllers are essential for electric braking systems, they can be complicated to set up and adjust properly.

Surge brakes eliminate the need for a brake controller altogether. This not only simplifies the towing setup but also makes it easier for drivers to switch between vehicles without having to worry about installing or adjusting a brake controller. This is particularly useful for those who may use different tow vehicles or share their trailer with other drivers.

Bonus: Cost-Effective Solution for Smaller Trailers

While electric brakes may be necessary for larger trailers carrying heavier loads, surge brakes are often sufficient for lighter boats and trailers under certain weight limits (depending on state regulations). The simplicity and lower maintenance costs of surge brakes make them an affordable option for many boaters.

Use a Boat Trailer With Surge Brakes – The Advantages Are Many

With so many advantages to choose from, you would be remiss if you didn’t choose a boat trailer with surge brakes for safe boat transport next time you purchase one. 

Owens & Sons Aluminum Slide-On has provided custom aluminum boat trailers, trailer parts, and trailer repairs nationwide for 30 years. We are ready to help you with your next boat or boat parts purchase, including financing if that’s necessary. 

Contact us so we can build the best boat trailer for you regardless of your specifications, needs, and usage.