Parts Needed to Add Electric Trailer Brakes to a Trailer

Question:

How to determine the right tralier brakes? How to install them on an axle that dose not have tralier brakes?

asked by: Kyle E

Expert Reply:

The first thing to check on the trailer is if it has brake mounting flanges. A brake mounting flange is welded to the axle/spindle and holds the brake assembly. For an example of what this looks like check out spindle # TRU74FR or # TRU37FR.

If your trailer does not have brake mounting flanges you could have some welded on but it is a precision job that requires a professional welded with experience in welding on brake flanges. The easiest solution would be to replace the axle with one that has brake mounting flanges.

If the trailer does have the flanges then to determine what brakes will fit I would need to know the inner and outer bearing numbers stamped into the sides of the bearings and the bolt pattern of the wheels. With that information I can determine which hub and drum assemblies fit and from there which brake assemblies will fit.

For electric brakes you will also need to convert the trailer to a 7-Way connector using a harness such as # H20046 and the tow vehicle will also need to have a 7-Way and a brake controller. Different parts would be needed for hydraulic drum or disc brakes.

I have included a link to our help article that covers the parts needed to add electric drum brakes to a trailer that should also help.