Brake Recommendation for Big Tex 35SA-10 Trailer with 3500 LB Axles

Question:

Hello, I am interested in putting trailer brakes on my Big Tex 35SA-10 trailer. It has a 3,500# EZ Lube w/Brake Flanges. The tongue is a 3” channel. What setup do you recommend? Thank you,

asked by: Jason L

Expert Reply:

In my opinion, adding electric drum brakes to your Big Tex 35SA-10 trailer would be the easiest, most economical option. I have attached a help article that will walk you through the process of adding electric brakes to your trailer.

In order to add electric brakes to your trailer you'll want to start by selecting a hub and drum assembly. I have included a link to the hub and drum assemblies that are available for a 3,500 lb axle.To pick out the correct hub assembly for your trailer we are going to need a few key pieces of information. The first thing is your wheel bolt pattern. This is so you get a hub that is compatible with your wheels. I attached a help article on determining bolt pattern.

Next thing you will need to know is what spindle you have on your trailer. In order to do that you can either get the inner and outer bearing numbers from a hub or use a digital caliper to get exact measurements of the spindle. The measurements needed are the parts of the spindle where the bearings ride. I have attached a picture for you.

Next step is the brakes. For this we will just need to know the brake mounting flange bolt pattern and your wheel size.

Last but not least is the wiring for the trailer and installing a brake controller in your tow vehicle. In order to power the brakes on the trailer, you will need to run wiring, # 10-2-1 sold by the foot, from the 7-way at the front of your trailer to your trailer brakes. One of the wires will be for the 12 volt power to the brake magnets and the other wire will be the ground which should connect to the main trailer ground. We have found that you will experience far less problems if you ground the wiring in this way. Starting with one side of the trailer, run both wires back to the brake and connect to the wires from the brake magnet. Since the magnet that operates the electric brakes does not require the wires to be specific, it doesn't matter which wire is connected to ground and which wire is used for the brake feed. Once that is complete you will now run jumper wires to the brake magnet on the other side of the trailer to complete the set-up. I have included an article on this as well.

As for the brake controller, I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3, # 90195. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup. For an even easier installation, a vehicle specific wiring adapter may be available for your vehicle.

If you can send me an email with the year, make, and model of your tow vehicle, as well as the bearing numbers and wheel bolt pattern, I would be happy to make specific parts recommendations for you.