Can Electric Drum Brakes be Installed on a Trailer with Independent Suspension

Question:

I have a ten foot Haul Mark Cargo style trailer with independent suspension and would like to have electric brakes. Is it possible to purchase and install on existing axle by installing hub and drum assemblies that match fit?

asked by: Rick R

Helpful Expert Reply:

To add electric drum brakes to your trailer the current axle or spindles will have to have brake mounting flanges or, if no flanges are present, they will have to be welded on. For an example of a spindle that has a brake mounting flange take a look at # TRU37FR or # TRU74FR.

If flanges need to be welded on the welding will need to be done by a qualified professional with experience welding on brake flanges. It is a precision job that requires a special jig. I have included a link to the flanges we carry.

If you have flanges or have some welded on I would then need to know the inner and outer bearing numbers of the hubs you are using now as well as the bolt pattern, see link. With those numbers I can determine the hubs and drums that fit and the appropriate brake assemblies.

The tow vehicle will (and trailer) also need to have a 7-Way trailer connector and a brake controller (for the vehicle). For that I would need to know the year, make, and model of the tow vehicle and if it has a trailer connector already and, if so, what kind it is (4-Way, 7-Way and so on).

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

expert reply by: Michael H