Parts Needed to Convert From Surge Brakes to Electric Brakes

Question:

I would like to replace surge brakes on 1995 Jayco 1207 pup with electric. Can I reuse my old drums and what parts do you recommend.

asked by: Ron

Expert Reply:

To convert your trailer from surge to electric drum brakes you're going to need brakes, wiring, a breakaway kit, and an electric brake controller. Since you already have hubs you can use the same ones.

Based on the size of your Jayco I'm assuming you have 10 by 2-1/4 inch drums. If this is the case I suggest the # AKEBRK-35-SA brake assemblies. These are self-adjusting so they'll need to be manually adjusted once when they're installed and never again.

You're going to need to wire the trailer to power the brakes. This will require to have a 7-way connector if it doesn't already have one, like # HS381-9000. It's attached to a junction box to make wiring everything easier. You'll also need ring terminals, # 44-5310A, to connect the wiring. Then use about 20 feet of 10 gauge wire # 10-1-1, which is sold by the foot, to run the wire from the junction box 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 P3 # 90195 because of how reliable and easy to use it is. Its one of our top brake controllers. If you tell me the year, make, and model of your tow vehicle I'll see if we have a custom harness to install the controller. And also anything else that may be necessary.

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