How to Identify Correct Replacement Electric Drum Brakes for King Horse Trailer

Question:

Im a brand new beginner at horse trailer repair. I was cleaning up the wheel wells had to take wheels off and realized my little 89 King 2 horse bumper pull had trailer brakes! Do you have videos showing how to check the brakes? Theyre not currently connected, since I found the cut wires. Also, how do I figure out which replacement parts I would need for them, since Im assuming thats why they were cut? Thank you!

asked by: Jenna

Helpful Expert Reply:

You can directly test the disconnected brakes on your 1989 King horse trailer quite easily with just a spare 12V battery, or the one in your vehicle. Electric brake magnets are not polarized so you can simply connect the charged battery to a brake's two pigtail wires to test it. If the brakes function you will hear a gentle humming sound, and naturally you should also be unable to rotate the drum if the brake works properly. I linked an article covering the testing of brake magnets.

New brakes can be selected based on the axle weight rating (found on its sticker or plate) and the hub/drum dimensions (see photo, please). Since whole new brakes are often no more than the price of a few replacement parts it is usually more cost-effective to just replace the brakes rather than to service them. I also linked an article concerning the process of adding electric brakes to a trailer since this detail each item needed, including a brake controller like the Prodigy P2 # 90885.
A video on brake installation is included.

Our main page for trailer electric brakes is linked too. Be sure to order left and right side brakes that match your flange bolt pattern.

expert reply by: Adam R