Parts Need to Replace Hydraulic Brakes with Electric Brakes on a 10K Tandem Axle Trailer

Question:

Hi, I purchased a trailer that has hydraulic brakes of which are nonfunctional, and I would like to add electric brakes. The trailer came with no info. What info do I need to order the correct electric brake retrofit? It is a skidsteer trailer with two axles, believed to have a load range of 10k lbs. If need be I can pull a wheel and get a picture.

asked by: Frank

Expert Reply:

First, check the drum to see if it says anything about only working with hydraulic brakes. If it does then you would also need to replace the hub and drum assemblies to ones that are compatible with electric brakes. If this is the case I would need to know the inner and outer bearing numbers and the bolt pattern of the wheels.

If the drums can be used with electric brakes then just measure the inner diameter of the drum and the width where the brake shoes make contact with the drum.

Based on the weight capacity of the trailer it would seem likely that it has two 5,200 pound axles which would mean that the brakes on it are likely 12x2 inch and mount to the axle's brake mounting flanges with a five hole pattern. If that is the case then I recommend # AKEBRK-7L-SA for the left side and # AKEBRK-7R-SA for the right side. These are self-adjusting brakes that only need to be adjusted 1 time at installation and then will adjust themselves afterward.

The trailer will also need to be fitted with a 7-Way trailer connector with wiring ran to the brake magnets. For this you can use # 50-67-103 which is 15 feet long. Or if that isn't long enough you could run some of your own wiring you can use a shorter one such as # H20042.

The towing vehicle will also need to have a 7-Way trailer connector and a brake controller. If you do not have these items let me know the year, make, and model of the vehicle and I can make some recommendations.