Parts Needed to Add Electric Brakes to Boat Trailer with 3,500 Pound Axles

Question:

Have a homemade pontoon trailer that I want to add brakes to... I believe axles are 3500 pounds they are 2 3/8.. They also have the grease fittings in the end so I assume EZ Lube? Bolt pattern is 5 on 41/2 by my measurements... What parts do I need to add electric brakes to the front axle? Looking for the least expensive way out as we dont pull this trailer often but the old pontoon boat is pretty heavy and its killing brakes on my truck.

asked by: Luke

Expert Reply:

There are a number of parts you'll need to add electric brakes to your trailer. I've linked an article they may help explain some of them for you.

With a 3,500 pound axle you'll need brake flanges with a 4-bolt pattern like # 4-35. Your trailer ay already have these and if so that's good. The brake flange needs to be welded to the end of the axle to support the brake assemblies. It will need to be welded perfectly straight for your brakes to function properly so the work should be performed by a certified trailer shop.

If you don't already have a hub and rum assembly you'll need to add these. I've linked our selection that are for 3,500 pound axles and a 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern. You'll need to use your bearings and seals to determine which ones will work on your trailer.

You're going to need to wire the trailer to power the brakes. This will require a 7-way trailer connector, like # H20044. Then use 10 gauge wire # 10-1-1, which is sold by the foot, to run the wire from the 7-way to the trailer's brakes.

The trailer will require a breakaway kit. The Hopkins Engager # 20099 is our most popular kit. The breakaway kit engages the trailer's brakes in the event the trailer is separated from your tow vehicle.

In order to control the trailer's brakes you must have an electric brake controller in your tow vehicle. If you don't already have one I suggest the Prodigy P2 # 90885 because of how reliable and easy to use it is. Its one of our top brake controllers. Depending on your tow vehicle there may be a custom harness to plug in the controller.

And finally you'll need brakes. I suggest the # AKEBRK-35-SA brake kit that includes both brake assemblies. These are self-adjusting so they'll need to be manually adjusted once when they're installed and never again.

I've linked some videos on the products I've recommended for you to take a look at.