Process for Adding Electric Trailer Brakes to Leonard Cargo Trailer

Question:

Hi. I just bought a new trailer and I need to put some brakes on it, Because I´m gonna pull this Trailer with my Jetta, I already bought to you the Hidden Hitch Trailer Hitch W/drawbar - Class I - 1-1/4 but I need more security so if You can tell me what else do I need brakes, control, etc because I don´t know nothing about Trailers, I´m new in this. Thanks

asked by: Rafael M

Helpful Expert Reply:

The trailer hitches that fit your Jetta are all class I hitches with a gross towing weight capacity of 2,000 lbs and a tongue weight capacity of 200 lbs, which are common ratings for Class I trailer hitches. To verify that you can tow your cargo trailer, you will need to check your vehicle's owner's manual to verify the towing capacity of your vehicle.

If the towing capacities of your 2007 Volkswagen Jetta are lower than the towing capacities of of this hitch, then you will be limited to the capacities of your vehicle. You will also want to verify the gross trailer weight and tongue weight of your trailer with your trailer fully loaded and ready to tow. Make sure that the trailer weight or tongue weight does not exceed the lowest ratings of your vehicle or trailer hitch.

You may also be interested in a 2 inch ball, # 19286. For trailer wiring, use # 118667. I have included a link to the wiring and hitch instructions for you.

As for adding brakes, etc, to your trailer, the entire process and required components for adding electric drum brakes to a trailer are outlined in the article that is linked elsewhere on the page.

Since the trailer has no brakes you'll need at least two electric drum brake assemblies (which are paired left and right); you'll need to select hub and drum assemblies that are compatible with your spindles (by matching bearing numbers), that have the same bolt pattern as your existing wheels and that match the size of the brakes you choose; you will need to wire the trailer with a connector and wiring to support the brake function; and you will need a brake controller such as the popular Tekonsha P2 # 90885 as well as the Universal Installation Kit for a trailer brake controller # ETBC7. This kit includes your wiring and accessories that are required for installation of a trailer brake controller.