What all is Needed to Convert a Trailer with Air Brakes to Electric Brakes  

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If you want to convert your trailer's air brakes to electric brakes you will want to remove the air brakes and then install the electric brakes from scratch.

You will need several items to add electric brakes to your trailer. Starting with the trailer you will need a hub and drum that matches the bearings and seal on your trailer spindle and your wheel bolt pattern. The only way to be sure is to check the bearing part numbers and seal part number.

You will then need left and right brake assemblies. We will need to know kind of axle you currently have on your trailer and its weight capacity, and you will need to make sure the brake mounting flange bolt pattern is compatible.

To finish the trailer you will need wiring and a 7-Way connector. 10 gauge wire, # 10-2-1 is recommended and you will attach one wire from the brake magnet to the white wire for ground and the other to the black wire for power from the 7-Way connector. The 7-Way Round RV Style Trailer Side Connector, # A7WCB will then need to be wired at the front of the trailer. We have an article that details wiring this connector for you to review, see link.

We have a video installation showing installation of trailer brakes on a single axle trailer that should be a great resource for you, see link.

For your truck you will need a 7-Way connection on the back with an Electric Trailer Brake Controller installed in the Truck. I have given you a lot of information and can help you figure out what all you need if you can get back to me with the following information. Number and model of axles on trailer, bearing sizes, wheel size and lug pattern, trailer electrical connection type, your tow vehicle and connections available.

expert reply by: Bud M

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