Recommendation For Adding Electric Brakes To Rear Axle With Hydraulic Discs On Front Axle

Question:

Hello there I just bought a 5x9 tandem 2 tonne gross trailer with hydraulic disc brakes on it on the front axel and I was wondering wether or not I can put electric breaks on the rear axel of the trailer but leave the hydraulic disk breaks as a safety extra on the front axel is that ok and also legal to do ? I carry a ride on mower and a push mower in the trailer but sometimes do heavy rubbish removals in it . The trailer tare is 580 kg the mowers combined would weigh an additional 315 kg . Im finding that the hydraulic set up is not working well with the light weight and once the trailer piston moves forward to activate the disk breaks it pushes back and most of the stopping power is reliant on the car unless I have a heavy load then they work effectively. Couldnt I have your thoughts on it please . I would really like to keep the disc set up for emergencies but put electric on the rear axel regards.

asked by: Matthew H

Expert Reply:

It sounds like your hydraulic brakes are not working properly as they should work well with or without a load, but if you have a surge coupler that may be the reason why you see more braking with more weight.

You can add electric brakes to your other axle if you so desire. This will give you braking with a lighter load and is adjustable on your brake controller for desired functioning as a combined system.

For a brake controller, I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195. This Is a proportional brake controller that will apply the trailer brakes at the same time and with the same intensity as you hit the brake pedal. It also is really easy to use and understand utilizing an LCD screen. This controller has 3 preset boost levels for braking intensity and is adjustable for your driving preferences.

For your 2,000 lb axle, I recommend the Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 2,000-lb Axles - 7" Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2 - L44643 Bearings # AKHD-545-2-1K. These assemblies use the 1 inch inner diameter bearings common on 2,000 lb axles. You will want to measure your spindles to confirm a fit. These hub/drums work with the Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 7" - Right Hand - 2,000 lbs # AKEBRK-2R and Left hand # AKEBRK-2L.