Recommended Brakes, Drums, and Tires for 2990 GVW Trailer

Question:

I have a trailer that does not have breaks I would like to add breaks to it because i am going to a state that requires them. the axel does have the plate on it the trailer GVW is 2990lbs so my breaks need to be at least that I was thinking of the AKEBRK-35-SA BREAKS AKHD-545-35-EZK HUBS question do I need a 13 inch tire for these hubs or can I go smaller? if i need a 13 inch tire is a st 185 or st 175 have better handeling down the road tire AM31241 or AM3S331 load range the same Do you have a breakaway kit for sale? Thank you

asked by: Bradley L

Expert Reply:

For your trailer axle, the Electric Trailer Brake Kit - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 3,500 lbs # AKEBRK-35-SA are a great choice. After the initial adjustment at installation, they will self-adjust to maintain proper braking. These assemblies will be labeled so you can install them on the proper side of your trailer. Left hand is driver's side, right hand is passenger side. I recommend using # 10-1-1 for your wiring to your brake magnets and the etrailer 7-Way Molded Trailer Plug with Junction Box - # E99011 to make connections easy with # 44-5310A ring terminals.

For your trailer hubs/drums, the Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 3,500-lb E-Z Lube Axles - 10" Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2 # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K may work well. A couple of things to note is the bearing sizes. You need to make sure the bearing and seal inner diameter match your spindle size. I've attached a photo to assist. Also, the EZ grease caps only are helpful if you have the axle spindles with the grease zerk built-in. If not, I recommend # AKHD-545-35-K.

These drums are only compatible with 13 inch or bigger wheels because of the internal clearance needed for the hub. I recommend the Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 13" White Modular Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C # AM31957 which are 24.1 inches in diameter and 7 inches wide. They also are rated for speeds of up to 81 mph and a load of 1360 lbs at 50 psi. These will only be slightly smaller than the 185 which are 24.4 inches tall and 7.2 inches wide, but allow you better options and warranty. This tire comes with a 2 year warranty and roadside assistance during that time. I recommend the radial tires over the bias tires you mentioned. Your load capacity will be limited by the weakest component in your system, so there is no need to go with load D unless you just want thicker ply tires.

For a breakaway kit, I recommend the Engager Trailer BreakAway Kit with Charger and Tester # 20099. For a brake controller, I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 to give you control of your new brakes.