Braking decision on trailer for R27

[Midwest Jeff]

I am in the process of ordering a new trailer for our (new to us) R27. I have the option to upgrade the brakes to electric over hydraulic. Rather than the standard surge brakes. My dealer is telling me that the EOH is not necessary and they really don't option this until load is over 18K GVW. It is an $1100 option, and I will be pulling with a 1 ton dually. Looking for opinions on this and if there are any negatives to the EOH system. I know the module cannot be submerged. For the short term we will be towing less than 300 miles from home. However, in the long term we may take it cross country. Thanks

 

[scross]

In my experience the EOH brakes should be mandatory. You can really fine tune them in respect to braking power which you can’t do at all with surge brakes. I have towed my former R-25 Classic and now our C-28 about 16k miles across western US with no worries. Highly recommend spending the extra to get EOH.

 

[S. Todd]

I used to tow with surge brakes. Then I started buying trailers with electric over hydraulic brakes. The last four trailers I ordered all had EOH and it is the only way I would ever tow a boat that I cared about that weighed more than 6,000 lbs. You cannot control the other guy that pulls out in front of you or switches lanes and then slams on his brakes. If that happens just once you will thank yourself for making the investment in safety. I never had a boat dealer, or a trailer manufacturer, tell me it was a wrong decision to do EOH.

 

[Mihn]

The biggest problem with surge brakes is going down hill. When they engage tow vehicle has to accelerate to disengage. On long steep downhill process will cause overheating. I would never, ever have surge brakes.

 

[Kipsahoy]

I originally had surge brakes, first snow storm I ended up in I found surge brakes don’t work well in snow and ice. Updated to EOH. Would not have surge brakes again.

 

[scgck]

3 axle , electric over hydraulic brakes and Goodyear tires.
2021 R27 LE
2014 F350 diesel, 20k hitch with bags.
No worries

 

[Midwest Jeff]

Thank you for the replies. This helps reinforce my decision to do it. Obviously, there are no real negatives to having it. Thanks again.

 

[SKing]

Surge breaks require the trailer to be pushing against the towing vehicle in order to work. So if both vehicles are neutral and not pushing against each other the truck brakes have to work first before the trailer brakes start to engage.

Now if you think of going backwards down a hill for example a boat ramp the trailer will be pulling away from the truck and the surgery will not engage. Whereas an electric brake will still use the brakes on the trailer in reverse.

 

[Bruce]

I recently purchased a Loadrite trailer with Hydrastar EOH brakes.
We had problems with the brakes disconnecting randomly on a 2024 GM 3500. I had to purchase a diode from Hydrastar and install in the wiring to correct this issue. Hydrasatar claims they are now shipping units with that diode installed. Be aware this could be an issue depending on what truck and trailer combination you choose. Although I have installed the diode I have not trailered the boat to confirm the fix yet.

 

[80Ramey]

Our ramp has a pretty severe break at the top so the boat encounters the ramp grade well before the truck. You can feel it start to pull the truck as the mid axel falls over the break and the rear end of the truck gets lighter as well. I’m glad I have 6 discs back there ready to stop everything when I tell it too.

 

[kurtwitte]

I am in the process of ordering a new trailer for our (new to us) R27. I have the option to upgrade the brakes to electric over hydraulic. Rather than the standard surge brakes. My dealer is telling me that the EOH is not necessary and they really don't option this until load is over 18K GVW. It is an $1100 option, and I will be pulling with a 1 ton dually. Looking for opinions on this and if there are any negatives to the EOH system. I know the module cannot be submerged. For the short term we will be towing less than 300 miles from home. However, in the long term we may take it cross country. Thanks

Welcome aboard!! I just purchased a used R27 that did not come with a trailer. I have spent hours researching trailers and the idiosyncrasies of the different options available. Definitely go with EoH. I've chosen this option from my own experience of owning, and trailering, Horses. One thing that is not discussed is the ability to brake the trailer manually separate from the towing vehicle. This alone provides a measure of comfort in suspect situations while trailering. Granted if you live in Kansas and do not travel out of that state then surge brakes will work 4 U.

 

[Midwest Jeff]

Update! I changed my order to include the EOH brakes. This Integrity trailer comes with disc brakes on all 3 axles. That should give me some stopping power.
They also put the actuator on a raised pedestal to prevent it from ever going into water. Hopefully in a couple months I will be rolling down the road with it. Thanks for all the helpful replies.

 

[William Sanborn]

When we bought our used RT 27, the seller said this trailer goes with the boat, We haven't used it, but from talking to folks who wished they had a trailer I plan to keep it as it adds value to the boat when that time comes. That being said I think that any reasonable option that can be added to a new purchase is a good investment at resale time. In my case it will make the Kids job easier.

 

[S. Todd]

We had an Integrity under our R25 SC and now have an Integrity under our R29S. A great custom-made trailer in my view. I am fairly certain their trailer for a R27 is also a triple axle, just not as wide as the one under our R29. I specified Goodyear Endurance tires under our R29S trailer which cost me some additional cash, but if you are towing a lot, it is probably worth it.

 

[scgck]

Excellent decision.
You will not regret it