Drum to Disk Brake Conversion on Dexter Torsion Axles Towing with a 2006 F-350 with OEM Controller

Question

Question:

I have a 98 20 7000lbGVWR Haulmark Racetrailer that I tow with a 2006 F350 with a factory brake controller. My guess is the tongue weight is pushing 900-1000lbs. It also has Dexter rubber torsion independent suspension axles 3500lb I think. Im interested in converting the standard electric drum to electric/hydraulic disk brakes. Does this kit have everything I need to do this conversion? Does the electric/hydraulic controller need to be installed on the hitch, or can I mount it inside on the wall to protect it from the weather? Im completely rewiring and installing new brakes on the trailer so wiring it inside wont be a problem.Thanks.

asked by: Dan

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Expert Reply:

There are a few things you will want to check out before ordering the Titan Disc Brake Kit and BrakeRite Electric-Hydraulic Actuator, item # T4843800. First, check the axle capacity of each axle and make sure it is 3,500 lbs. Next, check that the bearings in your hubs are # L68149 inner and # L44649 outer bearings. Next, check the brake mounting flanges on the trailer, they should have a 4 bolt square pattern with 2-7/8 inches between the bolt hole centers. Finally, check the wheel size and bolt pattern. The wheels on your trailer should be 14 or 15 inch wheels and have a 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern.

If all of these match up then this kit is the correct kit for your trailer and has all of the parts needed for the conversion, as long as your mounting location does not require additional parts.

One thing you may want to consider is that the OEM brake controller in Ford trucks is not compatible with electric over hydraulic braking systems. You will either need to install the Titan BrakeRite EHB Adapter, item # T4845900, or an aftermarket brake controller like the P-3, item # 90195, that is compatible with electric over hydraulic brake actuators. I have linked an article that explains this for you to review.

Installing the electric/hydraulic controller inside on the wall to protect it from the weather is a good idea, as long as you have the experience to be able to plumb the wiring and brake lines into and out of the trailer interior. You will also need to build a protected shelf that orients the controller properly when installed. The only issue I can see here is that you may need some extra fittings or flexible brake lines to complete the installation with the actuator inside the trailer.

Since you are completely rewiring and installing brakes now would be the best time to install a new system on the trailer.

expert reply by: Robert G

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Answer 1

Yes, brakes can be added to your trailer and I've linked an article to help with the parts you'll need. The first thing you'll need is the brake mounting flanges welded to the axle, like you mentioned. The correct flange is #4-35 however…

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Answer 2

It really just depends on what you are looking to get out of the bushings. Bronze bushings, like part #K71-291-00, will last longer but are more noisy and it is recommended to use wet bolts like part #126B2 to keep them lubricated. Nylon bushings,…

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Answer 3

The Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 18,000 lbs, #DM8550034 and the Curt Q24 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R24 Slider - Dual Jaw - 24,000 lbs, #C16546 are both great hitches. The Demco Autoslide moves…

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Answer 4

Yes, the auto-slide feature of the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch #DM8550034 that you referenced will function in forward and in reverse. What slides the hitch back is the angle of the head in relation to the base of the hitch. When…

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Answer 5

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 6

To determine the size of the brake assemblies you need you have to measure the depth and width of the hub drum on the axle like what you see in the picture I attached. The most common size is 2-1/4 inch wide like the #T4071600-500 that you…

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Answer 7

Hey Richard, thanks for reaching out! The Dexter DX7.5 Drop-N-Go Brake Actuator #099-175-00 is a great option for a replacement actuator because it's a direct replacement for the common Model 60 actuators that were popular in the '90s.…

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Answer 8

Traditionally, trailer manufacturers did not use electric brakes on boat trailers because the brake magnet wiring and trailer wiring did not always have the best insulation or water protection. These days, more and more manufacturers are using…

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Answer 9

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 10

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 11

To find the load capacity for your axle you should look on the trailer VIN plate or sticker that lists the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that…

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Answer 12

There really isn't a particular maximum trailer weight that is used to determine when brakes need to be added to both axles of a tandem axle setup. While I do still recommend checking your local laws, I am also not aware of any general laws that…

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