Recommended Replacement Trailer Axle, Hubs, and Electric Brake Assemblies on Tear Drop Camper

Question

Question:

Hello, Im inquiring about the Timbren axle less suspension. I have a small tear camping trailer that currently has old rusty leafs on a axle and looking to upgrade, as the trailer bounces if not fully loaded. I just had the trailer weighedbasically dry and it came in at 1280lb. Im looking to add a extra fuel can, 2 jerry h20 cans, install my whynter fridge, and possible tongue box, and maybe a few other accessories, so assuming packed up and fully loaded I would be under 2k but maybe right in that ballpark. I dont intend to do a lot of off roading of the rock crawling sorts but do like the back forest roads. Would like to use the all terrain tires that match my jeep liberty245/70/16 to keep spare matching5 on 4.5 bolt pattern I think. So guessing I would want the 4inch lift but maybe the standardHave read reviews of 2k rated with 3.5k spindle?. The trailer does not currently have brakes but would like to add elec. brakes with parking brake. So would like recommendation on Timbren suspension, brakes, brake controller, and any other required parts to complete upgrade. Thanks for any help you can provide.

asked by: Todd C

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Let's start with the axle on your camper.

As long as you will stay under the 2,000 pound weight capacity, the Timbren Heavy-Duty Axle-Less Trailer Suspension # ASR2KHDS04 is a great option for replacing your worn axle and springs. This assembly includes a 4 bolt brake flange and will work with 3,500 pound hub and drum assemblies like what you mentioned in your question. The 4 inch lift will provide greater ground clearance and these will fit any trailer frame width. I have included an installation video for you to check out.

Then for compatible hub and drum assemblies, I recommend the etrailer # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K. These are designed to fit the spindles for the Timbren system and have a 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern. Keep in mind that while these do have a 3,500 pound (combined) weight capacity, you will still need to stay under the Timbren Axle-Less System's 2,000 pound limit. The bearings, races, seal, grease cap, wheel bolts and lug nuts will all be included in this hub assembly.

For electric brakes, you can then use the Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly # 23-27 for the Right Hand and # 23-26 for the Left Hand. These will fit 13 inch, 14 inch and 15 inch wheel sizes.

You will need to run 10 gauge wire like # 10-1-1 (sold by the foot) from the front of your camper to the trailer brakes in order to carry electric power to them. Each brake assembly will have 2 wires coming out from the back. one wire will attach to the trailer frame for ground and the other will serve as the power wire. It does not matter which wire you use for which purpose.

I have attached a detailed article on adding electric brakes to a trailer that you might find very helpful.

Lastly, for a trailer brake controller to install in your tow vehicle, I highly recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885. This is a great proportional controller that will activate your camper's brakes at the same time and with the same intensity that you apply to them in your tow vehicle. It features a nice digital display along with continuous diagnostics that will alert you to any potential issues. This unit is well known for its reliability and ease of installation.

Depending on what type of tow vehicle you have and what was installed at the factory, you may need additional wiring to install the brake controller. If you can give me the year, make and model of your vehicle, I will be happy to recommend what else will be needed.

I have also included a couple of articles on trailer brake controllers for you to look through.