Recommendations For Adding Brakes To Trailer With 3,500 Lb Axle

Question:

I am in the process of purchase a trailer that is not equipped with brakes. I want to add brakes to it. The trailer is coming from a local supplier here in St. Louis. The brand is Arising and it has a single 3500 lb axle. How can I determine if one of your brake and hub/drum products will fit the spindles?

asked by: Sam P

Expert Reply:

I called Arising Trailers and they told me that the 3,500-lb axles they use will be either Lippert or Quality axles. They come with brake flanges on the axle according to Arising. They also told me there would be a sticker on the axle with information about the axle you can check out.

Both Quality and Lippert axles use inner bearing part # L68149 and outer bearing part # L44649. Normally, the drum will be 10 inches diameter and is 2-1/4 inch wide, and has a 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern. You will want to measure just to be sure. I have attached a link to the hubs and drums we offer for a 3,500 lb axle. You will notice that most come with the bearings, races, and seals, and also are designed for standard or EZ-Lube spindles.

I recommend electric brakes for your trailer. If you find the 10 inch will work for you the left hand I recommend is part # AKEBRK-35L-SA and for the right hand I recommend part # AKEBRK-35R-SA. These brakes are self adjusting.

If you cannot find the sticker and are unsure of the axle, the easiest way to find the hub and drums that will fit your spindles is to check out the bearings on the trailer. I have attached a drawing that shows where you can find the numbers on the bearings. If you cannot find the numbers on the bearings you can take a few measurements with a digital caliper like part # PTW80157. The attachment also shows the places on the spindle you need to measure to make sure you get the correct components.

Arising told me that the axle should have the brake flange already mounted on the trailer. In case it is not there a brake flange will need to be welded to the axle/spindle. This can be quite an effort because it needs to be welded to the axle by a certified professional. Brake flanges require a fixture to hold it while being welded. It needs to be concentric and square on the axle or it can cause the tires to wear uneven and cause suspension wear and affect the trailer ride. I have attached a link to a brake flange we offer for 2-3/8 inch round axles.

There are some other items needed when adding brakes to your trailer. you will need to run wiring, part # 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. Starting with one side of the trailer, run both wires back to the brake and connect to the wires from the brake magnet. 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 need to 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.

You will also need a breakaway kit like part # 20099 on your trailer. This mounts on the trailer tongue and lets the trailer safely stop should you become disconnected from the towing vehicle.

You will need a brake controller. I recommend the P2, part # 90885. If you want to let me know the towing vehicle year, make, and model I can see if we have a plug-in adapter that works for your vehicle.