Recommended 7 Trailer Brake Assembly for 3500-lbs Axle  

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Expert Reply:

Trailer brakes come in 3 general sizes- 7", 10" and 12" and are generally determined by the axle capacity on your trailer. Typically a 3500-lbs axle would have 10" brakes on them, but it sounds like you've actually got 7" brakes; if you've got existing brakes I do recommend checking their size (it sounds like you likely don't in this case) and making sure that you've got brake mounting flanges on the axle if you don't have existing brakes.

For 7" brakes I do recommend the # AKEBRK-2, which are electric brakes that will mount to 4 bolt mounting flanges and work with 10" wheels like you've got on your trailer. To mount these brakes you will need mounting hardware which is part # BRKH7.

If you don't have brakes on your trailer currently, it's unlikely that it has been wired for brakes and there are some other parts that you're going to need to make sure that you have everything needed for them to operate.

You'll want to start with wiring, which you can use 10 gauge 2 wire # 10-2-1 which is a jacketed double wire that you'll use to connect your brakes to your trailer connector. If you don't already have a 7 way plug on your trailer you'll need to add one; for that I recommend using the 7 Way with Junction Box # HS381-9000 since it provides a nice clean installation.

To control and actuate the brakes on the trailer you will need a vehicle 7 way and a trailer brake controller. For a brake controller I recommend using the Curt Echo Mobile # C51180 which provides you with an easy plug and play installation and nothing to wire into your tow vehicle. This controller offers proportional braking for your trailer and is controlled by your iOS or Android smartphone. If you don't have a 7 way, you can use the # ETBC7 to install a 7 way capable of powering the Echo.

expert reply by: Erik B

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