Installing Hydraulic Trailer Brakes on a Kristi Utility Trailer

Question:

Id like to purchase hydraulic brakes for a 8x5 Kristi utility trailer. This is a light trailer, 2500 max, but I do not want to install a brake controller inside the vehicle so I prefer surge brakes. I am a mechanic and plan to install myself. Id like to know what suitable brakes and actuator you have for this.I just read you email all the way through and realized for the first time the Tekonsha 90250 option. Very interesting, but also expensive. this will be more expensive than hydraulic assuming the price of the brakes are similar. It is too cold outside to to extensive work, so I just took the wheel off and took a couple of pictures. Does it help?

asked by: Eli

Expert Reply:

There are two ways to go. Drum brakes and Disc brakes. To determine which assemblies will fit on your spindles we will need to know the inner and outer bearing and seal part numbers. We will also need the Brake Mounting Flange bolt pattern on the spindles and the bolt pattern and size of the wheels that are on your trailer. For the hydraulic actuator we will need the size of the trailer tongue where the actuator will mount.

If you will get back to me with your choices and the needed information I will be glad to recommend the needed parts for you. I have posted some links below to some items that may help you in making your decisions.

Another possibility would be electric brakes with the trailer mounted Tekonsha Prodigy RF Brake Controller, item # TK94FR.That Helps somewhat. Now I have more Questions. I spoke to Kristi trailer and they said since you have an easy lube hub that you either have a 2000 pound gross weight rating or a 2990 pound gross weight rating. This means that there are two different hubs that are used. One has the same inner and outer bearing and the heavier axle has two different sized bearings. Your bolt pattern is most likely 5 on 4-1/2 inches. You should measure (see link) to be sure and if you get 2-5/8 inches between the bolt hole centers on the wheel then 5 on 4-1/2 is correct. The hole spacing on the mounting flange should be 2-7/8 inches on center.

If it is a 2000 pound axle, and my assumptions are correct, then you will need the # 8-257-5UC3 Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly along with 7 x 1-3/4 inch brake assemblies, part numbers, # 23-398 and # 23-399 for hydraulic brakes or # 23-47 and # 23-48 for electric brakes. With this hub you will need to reuse the EZ-Lube grease caps or purchase new ones, # RG04-040.

If it is a 2990 pound rating for the axle, and my assumptions are correct, you will need the # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K, Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly along with 10 x 2-1/4 inch brake assemblies, part numbers, # 23-312 and # 23-313 for hydraulic brakes or # 23-26 and # 23-27 for electric brakes.

After you get the brakes and hubs figured out you will then just need to decide which way you want to go. Electric would be easier but may cost a small amount more but would not require the fabrication of a mount for a hydraulic actuator.