Testing Electric Drum Brakes & Choosing Replacement Brakes & Brake Controller for Flagstaff Pop-Up

Question

Question:

I have a 2008 flagstaff 228d pop up camper. It came with electric brakes. I plan to buy a controller for the brakes but first was going to check the brake shoes and magnet but I dont know which brakes or even what size my pop up came with. Do you have any idea or do you know where I can look on the drums to tell what brakes I have so I know which parts I need? Thanks!

asked by: Mark

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Expert Reply:

We can help you with checking or replacing your pop-up's brakes and also with selecting a trailer brake controller.

I have linked an article that covers the process for testing electric trailer brakes. Please let me point out that often replacing specific brake parts carries almost the same cost as buying a whole new replacement. Just keep in mind that your time to do the repairs may make just replacing them easier overall. If you do need to change out your magnets you can use the linked page that displays our replacement brake magnets.

It's easy to measure your existing brake drums to confirm their diameter and width; this will allow you to select correct replacement brakes. Please refer to the linked photo. To choose your new brakes you will need to match their size, axle rating and mounting bolt pattern. Your axle should have a sticker or plate that shows its weight rating. You can then use the linked page to review all of our brakes. Just click on the filters for axle rating, drum size and either manual-adjust or self-adjust types. For example, if you have a 3500-lb axle, 10 x 2-1/4-inch drums and a 4-bolt brake flange then you can use left-hand brake # AKEBRK-35L-SA and right-hand brake # AKEBRK-35R-SA.

For a brake controller I recommend the Prodigy P2 # 90885. This proven and reliable controller is easy to set up and use and it includes a number of built-in diagnostic features to make troubleshooting easier. Our customers rate this unit very highly. It is a proportional type controller that will slow your trailer at the same rate as your Sequoia.

Please note that new brakes will take some time to settle in. A few hard braking attempts is a good way to adjust the brakes. Find a safe place where you can have the truck and trailer on a fairly smooth and level surface, slowly accelerate to no more than 20 mph, then step on the brakes. You may need to repeat this process several times.

expert reply by: Adam R

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Answer 1

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 2

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 3

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 4

The Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty #RED24FR is the way to go over the Elite #RED44FR as you get the nicer functions of the Elite at a lower price. The Elite has the ability to be the more preferred proportional style of controller as well as a time-delayed…

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Answer 5

Either way is correct. It depends on if you want to keep the semi-style 7-Way (if you need to tow that type of trailer) or if you will never be towing a semi-trailer. If you need to keep the 7-Way semi active on the truck, then you would need to make…

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Answer 6

There are a number of factors involved when converting a semi 7-way to an RV 7-way. Semis generally use a 7-pin round pin socket, similar to #PK11720. And RV style 7-way uses blades, like #PK12706. We do not offer any pre-made adapters to make this…

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Answer 7

If you have a vehicle specific wiring harness for a brake controller then that would indicate that you have a factory tow package and subsequently would already have a 7-way at the back of your vehicle. The universal 7-way connector #ETBC7 is meant…

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Answer 8

Sure thing, I will go ahead and list out what you need for your 2023 Kia Sportage to add a 7-way for a brake controller so you can tow with the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C94WR: - T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector…

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Answer 9

Hey Antoine, so the two kits you mentioned are actually really similar and honestly I would go with the part #ETBC7 if I were you. The #ETBC7L is basically the same thing minus a couple wires and breakers so you may as well get the kit that has…

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Answer 10

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the vehicle…

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Answer 11

The first thing you will need for your 1999 D250 is a 4-way. The Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness #C55317 plugs into the connection points behind your rear bumper and will allow you to power your trailer's signal lights. Once the 4-way is…

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Answer 12

Yes, when installing the knob for the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller item #RED24FR you will want to remove any extra material behind the insert. I am happy the video was able to help you out. I have linked a couple of pictures from the video…

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