Can Brake Flanges be Welded to Torsion Axle
Question:
Hello! I have a 2007 6x10 single axle Wells Cargo trailer I need to add electric brakes to. But, I have the torsion axel with no backing plate. What options do I have?
asked by: Steve W
Expert Reply:
Torsion axles use internal rubber cords that make it tricky to weld them, such as for installation of a brake flange to let you install electric drum brakes on the axle. If your torsion axle happens to have drop spindles (rather than straight ones that line up with the axle beam) this helps a bit since the spindles will be further away from the rubber cords and the heat they pick up from welding will be less likely to damage the axle's internal parts. It is still a tricky process that I recommend be left to a trailer/welding professional.
Another option is to simply replace the torsion axle with a Timbren bolt-on axle-less suspension kit that includes brakes flanges, brakes and hubs. Two such 3500-lb-rated kits are shown on the linked page. Kit # A35RD545E includes 5-on-4-1/2 hubs and has 4-inch drop spindles for a low deck height; kit # A35RS545E has straight spindles.
You will also need a trailer brake controller like the terrific Prodigy P2 # 90885 that slows the trailer in direct proportion to the slowing of the tow vehicle. Controllers and the other items required for adding electric brakes to a trailer are outlined in the linked article.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension w Electric Brakes - Standard - 4" Drop - 5 on 4-1/2 - 3.5K
- Trailer Axles
- Rubber Spring Suspension
- Easy Lube Spindles
- Electric Brakes
- 3500 lbs
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- Universal Fit
- Drop - 4 Inch
- Timbren
more information >
Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension w Electric Brakes - Standard Duty - No Drop - 5 on 4-1/2 - 3.5K
- Trailer Axles
- Rubber Spring Suspension
- Easy Lube Spindles
- Electric Brakes
- 3500 lbs
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- Universal Fit
- No Drop or Lift
- Timbren
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Right Hand - 3,500 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- RH
- 3500 lbs
- Brake Assembly
- Self Adjust
- 10 x 2-1/4 Inch Drum
- etrailer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Vehicle Lights
- Shop: 194 LED Bulbs - 360 Degree - Wedge Base - 200 Lumens - White - Qty 2
- Shop: Dexter Tandem-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for 2" Slipper Springs - 38" Axle Spacing
- Q&A: Can a Damaged Torsion Axle Be Replaced with Timbren Axle-Less Suspension
- Video: ARC 194 LED Bulbs Installation - 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
- Shop: Demco 32-Degree A-Frame Trailer Coupler w/ Jack Hole - eZ-Latch - Primed - 2-5/16" Ball - 21K
- Shop: Dexter Brake Actuator with Manual Lockout - Bolt On - Drum - 2" Ball - 7,500 lbs
- Shop: Dexter Torflex #11 Axle Side-Mount Frame Installation Hardware Kit
- Shop: Dexter Torflex #10 Axle Side-Mount Frame Installation Hardware Kit
- Search Results: titan aero 6000
- Search Results: drum brake actuator
- Q&A: What are the Dimensions of the Titan Aero 7500 Brake Actuator With Manual Lockout # T63FR
- Video: Trailer Valet RVR5 Remote-Controlled Trailer Dolly Review
- Shop: Custom Underbed Installation Kit for B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Search Results: titan model 60 master cylinder
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Search Results: 5 on 4.25 rim
- Search Results: race driver
- Video: Review of Performance Tool Tools - Hand Tools - Stud Extractor - PT75VR
- Search Results: gnrk1384
- Search Results: dm8550040
- Video: LubriMatic Wheel Bearing Grease Review
- Video: Review of LubriMatic Lubricants Sealants Adhesives - Grease - L74FR
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Video: Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System Test Course
- Video: Timbren Trailer Axles - Rubber Spring Suspension - TASR5200S03 Review
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Testing Trailer Brake Magnets for Proper Function
- Q&A: Can The Mounting Studs Be Removed From The Electric Brake Assembly AKEBRK-35L-SA?
- Article: Parts Needed to Add Electric Drum Brakes to a Trailer
on Accessories and Parts
