Electric Drum Brake and Controller Recommendation for 1200-lb Camper

Question:

I have a Torflex #9 axle with brake flanges and need a recommendation for a full brake assembly. I really need to keep the costs down. The camper is only about 1200# so the brakes are just a bit of extra protection. My current setup only has a 4 pin connector, so I will need the hardware to adapt to a 7 pin connector at both ends trailer and car. If a controller and break away switch is required, I would need that too.

asked by: David J

Expert Reply:

Let's start with your trailer. To add electric drum brakes to your trailer you will need to choose brake assemblies that match the mounting pattern on your existing flanges and that offer a capacity that matches your axle's rating. I suggest you start with a review of the linked article that covers the process of adding electric brakes and each of the components required.

To keep costs down you might want to consider a complete axle kit such as # e43SR which includes the axle beam, brakes, hub/drums, bearings, races, seals, grease caps, wheel studs, lug nuts, and marine-grade wheel bearing grease. Using a compete kit ensures compatibility of parts. I included a link to our axle kits with electric brakes.

If you want to fit brakes and new hubs/drums to your existing axle you can use the linked page to see brake assemblies. Choose your axle rating to see suitable brakes and match up your brake flange mounting pattern. You'll need to choose hubs/drums that have the same mounting bolt pattern as you existing wheels. Let's say you choose the 2000-lb-rated Dexter brakes # 23-48 and # 23-47 which are 7 x 1-1/4-inches. You'll next need to choose hubs/drums with the correct bolt pattern and that use the same bearings as you existing hubs. If you wish you can let me know your wheel bolt pattern, and the bearings used in your existing hubs, and I can then check for hub/drum assemblies to fit your spindles.

Brake controllers are offered in two basic types, time-delayed and proportional. The linked article explains in detail, but proportional controllers like the Tekonsha Voyager # 39510 are generally preferred, although time-delayed units like the Curt Venturer # C74VV are indeed more cost-effective.

For wiring your trailer you'll need a 7-way plug like Hopkins # H20046, a junction box like # 38656 and ring terminals like # 44-5310A to make the connections from the 4-pole wiring to the new 7-way. For a breakaway kit you could use kit # 20099

Please let me know the year/make/model/version of the tow vehicle and the trailer axle rating, brake flange pattern, hub bolt pattern and the bearings used on the trailer now and I can then make specific recommendations.