Parts Needed to Add Electric Drum Brakes to a Trailer with a 3,500 Pound Axle  

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Helpful Expert Reply:

Since your trailer's hubs have a 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern and fit a 3,500 pound axle then they likely use bearings # L68149 for the inner and # L44649 for the outer. You'll need to verify this is correct by checking your bearing numbers.

If I'm correct on the bearing numbers then I recommend hub and drum assembly # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K for E-Z lube axles that have a zerk fitting on the end of the spindle or # AKHD-545-35-K fro standard spindles. If you have different bearings then let me know what they are and I'll recommend the correct hubs for you.

With a 3,500 pound axle you'll need brake flanges with a 4-bolt pattern like # 4-35. Your trailer may 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.

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 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.

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.

expert reply by: Charles S

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