What do I Need to Complete an Electric over Hydraulic Brake System for my Trailer With 3,500 axles

Question:

I want to convert the electric drum brakes on my snowmobile trailer to disc w ss calipers. It has two 3500lbs dexter axles w brakes on both now. I was thinking of just putting new brakes on one axle and leaving the other w none. I was looking at the kodiak brake kit k2hr35ds. I pull trailer with a 2007 chevy 2500 w a factory tekonsha controller that is not built in dash, and newer GM and ford trucks w dash controllers, I want to maintain factory controllers. Can i use the breakaway switch and battery already in trailer? What all do I need electrically to make this work? thanks

asked by: Jeff

Expert Reply:

The Kodiak Disc Brake Kit 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern # K2HR35DS is an excellent choice for an electric over hydraulic brake system. This kit doesn't come with lug nuts or bearings. The lug nuts are part # CE11051, and the bearings are part # L68149 and part # L44649.

The first thing you are going to want to install on your trailer is brake lines. We have the Kodiak Hydraulic Brake Line Kit # 18SI-BLKIT if you are just putting the brakes on one axle. Since you have 2 axles that means you can potentially have 7,000 lbs of weight on one set of trailer brakes, this can potentially cause the brakes to not be as effective and to wear down faster. I encourage you to consider getting a set of brakes for both axles.

If you decide to go with brakes on both axles then you will want to go with kit # 20TA-BLKIT. Both of these brake lines are flexible so they will wear better and last longer than traditional brake lines. The only thing you will need to keep in mind when installing these lines is that you cannot easily cut the line and re-install the fitting. It is easier to use the clamps to secure any excess line.

The other part you will need is an actuator. An actuator is what allows you to use your brake controller to electronically actuate your hydraulic brakes. I recommend using the HydraStar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator # HBA16. It is compatible with any standard 5-amp breakaway kit and will allow you to backup without having to manually lock out your brakes. Another thing to keep in mind is that electric over hydraulic systems don't work with all OEM brake controllers, especially GM, so to ensure that this actuator works with your brake controllers I recommend using the Adapter Module # HBA-CAM. If you are worried about the protection of your wiring connections, I recommend the Trailer Wiring 7-Way Junction Box # HS381-9000.

I am including some demonstration videos and a helpful link for you as well.