Adding Electric Drum Brakes to a Shelby Tandem Axle Trailer

Question:

In order to recommend the correct electric drum brakes for your trailer, I would need to know the bearing numbers or the measurements of the bearing seats on the spindle, the wheel size, and the bolt pattern. Once you determine the correct bearings for you trailer and wheel size I would then be able to help you add electric brakes. I have also attached two help article that would be of use to you.

asked by: Kent

Expert Reply:

In order to recommend the correct electric drum brakes for your trailer, I would need to know the bearing numbers or the measurements of the bearing seats on the spindle, the wheel size, and the bolt pattern. Once you determine the correct bearings for you trailer and wheel size I would then be able to help you add electric brakes.

I have also attached two help article that would be of use to you.

expert reply by: Conner L

click to enlarge

Kent

12/7/2017

Conner L.

12/7/2017

Thanks for the info! It sounds to me like the 1.719 measurement you listed is actually for the grease seal and not the inner bearing seat. However, based on the outer bearing number and grease seal diameter, it appears as if you have a #84 spindle which using an L68149 inner bearing, L44649 outer bearing, and a 10-19 grease seal (1.719"). You can confirm the above information by measuring the "C" location (see photo) on your spindle. For a set of brakes that maintains the 4 bolt mounting flange, I recommend taking a look at the Electric Trailer Brake Kit part # AKEBRK-35-SA for self-adjusting or part # AKEBRK-35 for manual adjusting. Self-adjusting brakes will not require you to manipulate the adjustment screw on the braking assembly which allows for even pad wear whereas the manual adjust brakes will require you to set the adjustment screw every so often to ensure you are receiving the full braking potential of your drums. You are correct in that it appears that you have 3,500 lb axles on your trailer. For a hub and drum assembly that will work well with the above braking assemblies, I recommend using the Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly part # AKHD-550-35-K which uses an L68149 inner bearing, L44649 outer bearing, and has a 5 on 5" bolt pattern. To complete your electric braking setup you will also need trailer wiring, breakaway kit, and a brake controller if you do not already have one. For a trailer wiring kit the Epicord 7-Way Molded Trailer Plug with Junction Box part # 277-000141 and the Deka Wire - Jacketed 7-Wire part # DW04914-1 (per foot) would work well for you. For a breakaway kit, the Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit with Built-In Battery Charger part # 20099 is very popular among users and the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller part # 90885 is one of our best selling brake controllers. I have also attached several review videos on the above products for you as well.