Parts Needed to Add Electric Drum Brakes to 3500-lb Front Axle of Tandem Trailer

Question:

Unless I mist it can you put together a package for me? I have a typical 3500 lb axle, I have brakes on the rear axle and I want to add brakes to the front one. The rear axle has Dexter electric brakes 10X2 1/4. I dont know the wheel stud pattern off the top of my head but I know it is the same as a ford five bolt. I beleave this is fairly common also. I am not brand loyal as long as everything fits/ works the same. Thank you.

asked by: Tony C

Expert Reply:

We offer electric drum trailer brakes for 3500-lb axles in the 10 x 2-1/4-inch size that you can see on the linked page. All work with 13-, 14- or 15-inch wheels and you can choose from either manual-adjust or self-adjust types by clicking on the filters on the page. Be sure to always select matching left- and right-hand brake assemblies for your axle, such as # AKEBRK-35L-SA and # AKEBRK-35R-SA.

All of these 10-inch brakes use a 4-bolt brake flange mounting pattern. (Your hub bolt pattern does not matter for the fit of a brake.) You'll want to check that your front axle has flanges installed and that they are this 4-bolt type. The holes are spaced apart 2-7/8-inches on centers. For installation hardware use washer/nut kit # BIK-00 for each brake. If you need to have brake flanges welded on, use a professional welder who has the required jigs that wilol ensure the flange is welded on perfectly straight and concentric. You can use part # 4-35 which fits the 2-3/8-inch diameter typical of 3500-lb axles.

When you connect your new brakes into the trailer wiring either wire on the brake assembly can be used for ground or hot; it makes no difference since the brake magnets are non-polarized. Be sure your ground connection to the trailer frame is solidly made to a clean bare metal spot to ensure good contact and proper brake performance. You will need some electrical connectors like ring terminals # 44-5310A (sold individually) and butt connectors # DW05745-10 (sold as a set of 10) to make the connections to the trailer's existing brake circuit wiring.

An electrical junction box like # 38656 can make it easier to connect the new brakes to the existing wiring. Installing the box also means that when your trailer's plug wears out it will be easier to install a new one like # H20046.