Recommended Electric Brakes for 16 Inch Wheels on a 3,500 Pound Axle

Question:

This might be a really dumb question, but the listed wheel range is 13-15. Can I use 16inch wheels on these? Im concerned with the extra rotational mass incurred with the extra wheel diameter, I guess. Im building an adventure trailer and wanted to put brakes on it for steeper grades encountered off-road. The wheel and tire combo will be a 32inch tire mounted to a 16inch wheel, same as the tow vehicle. The total weight of the trailer will be less than 2000lbs when fully loaded with gear, water, food, extra fuel, etc.

asked by: Jeff

Expert Reply:

The Electric Trailer Brake Kit, # AKEBRK-35, will work with 16 inch wheels with no issues.

I recommend using # AKEBRK-35-SA brake assemblies instead. These assemblies are self-adjustable which only needed an initial set-up during installation. After, that the brakes will self-adjust as you use them.

The issue will be matching the lug bolt pattern on your wheels with the bolt pattern for the brake drums that will fit these brakes assemblies. You will also need to know the measurements on your axle spindle to find the correct drums/hubs to fit your axle. We recommend not using automobile tires and wheels due to they are not rated for load towing.

The attached help articles will show you how to find your bolt pattern and how to measure the axle spindle to fin which wheel bearings and grease seals you will need.

expert reply by: Jared P