Parts Needed for Installation of Electric Brakes on a Coleman Pop-Up Camper With 8 Inch Wheels

Question:

I just purchased a 1995 Coleman by Fleetwood pop-up camper, model: cedar. It does not have any trailer brakes, but I was thinking I would like some. What all do I need? The tires size is: 5.70/8 Load range C with a 5 lug rim. Now, I was also wondering if I can even add brakes to it since the is not much room between the tires and the trailer walls. I barely got the tire off, so there is not much play. I also wouls like a break-away added. Thanks

asked by: Jens

Expert Reply:

The 8 inch diameter wheel on your Coleman Fleetwood pop-up camper is not large enough to accept an electric brake hub and drum assembly. Seven inch brake assemblies like # 23-48 that you selected work with the Trailer Hub & Drum Assembly, item # 8-257-5UC3, which will fit in wheels starting at 10 inches in diameter.

You would need to upgrade your wheels and tires to either a 5.30-12 load range c wheel and tire combination, or a 205/65-10 load range c wheel and tire to meet the capacity requirements of your trailer and be able to install electric brake assemblies.

Because of the limited space you mention the additional height and width of these wheels and tires will most likely limit you to the tire size you have and will not allow the addition of brakes.

If you do measure, dimensions are on the product pages (see links), and determine that a larger wheel and tire assembly will fit, you will need to record the inner and outer bearing numbers and wheel bolt pattern of the existing parts on your trailer, see photo link and article on measuring bolt pattern, to determine the correct 7 inch hub and drum assembly on your trailer.

Once you have brakes installed on the trailer axle you can use the Hopkins Trailer Break-Away Kit with Charger, item # HM20001, on your trailer. We have a video installation of this kit for you to review.

Finally, you will need to wire the electric brakes. This will involve changing the connector on the trailer for supplying power to the trailer brakes. I would recommend going with the 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector, item # PK12706 (see video), and the a length of 10 gauge wire, item # 10-2-1, to wire the trailer.

You will also need a brake controller and wiring for the vehicle, . I would recommend the Prodigy P2 brake controller, item # 90885, and since you most likely already have a 4-Way trailer connector, the electric brake controller installation kit, item # ETBC7, would complete the items needed.