Best Way to Add Electric Drum Brakes to 2000 Coleman Taos Camper

Question:

Hi, I have a 2000 Coleman Taos and it does not have electric brakes. It does not appear to have an axle capable of accepting electric brakes. Im prepared to replace the axle in order to add brakes. In this case I feel its better to replace the axle as it may have sat in mud for some time. It seems the current track length is around 63 inches. It has 5.30-12 tires, the wheels for which have 5 lugs that appear to be on 4 1/4 though it seems on 4 1/2 is more common. The tires go into the frame and have little room for alteration side to side, so getting the length right must be important. The trailer currently has a 4-wire plug but my tow vehicle has a 7-wire connection. I intend to change the trailer to a 7-wire connection. Im pulling it with a 2013 Honda Pilot to which Ill add a brake controller. Could you please tell me the parts I need? Thank you very much!

asked by: Erick M

Expert Reply:

You can add electric drum brakes to your trailer either by having brake flanges welded on or by changing out the axle, as you suggested. I agree this is the better option for both cost and safety reasons. Installing a new axle will save you labor time as compared to modifying yours.

You can start off with a review of the linked article which covers this subject in detail. You will need a new axle rated appropriately for the trailer (and of the correct dimensions), brakes assemblies, hub/drums, wiring components, a breakaway kit and a brake controller like the popular Prodigy P2 # 90885.

I checked the specs on the 2000 Coleman Taos and it comes in at 995-lbs. This light weight is probably why Coleman did not spec the trailer for brakes.

I recommend a Timbren axle-less suspension kit for your application for it's easier installation. It will bolt right on to your frame. Kit # A35RS545E is rated for 3500-lbs (a bit more than you need perhaps but safety margin is nice!) and includes the two suspension units with spindles that mount to the trailer frame, electric brakes, 5 on 4-1/2 hubs/drums, bearings, races, seals, etc.

You'll need to re-wire the trailer as you noted. You can use a 7-way plug like # H20046 and a junction box like # 38656 to join the existing wiring to the new plug at the box. Use ring terminals like # DW05702-1 for 16-14 gauge wires and part # 44-5310A for 12-10 gauge wires like your brake circuit and main ground. Use jacketed wire # 10-2-1 for wiring your brakes (either wire on the brake can be ground; it does not matter).

For a brake controller I recommend the popular and reliable Prodigy P2 # 90885 and the plug-in harness # 3070-P. This proportional controller will slow your trailer at the same rate as your tow vehicle for less of that tug-of-war feeling.