Parts Needed to Add Electric Drum Brakes to a 2004 Viking Epic Model M2007

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Question:

My wife and I recently bought a 2004 Viking Epic Model M2007. I am in the military and currently away from home, and I was hoping to have the brake parts at home when I get home in a few weeks so that I can do the install and we can camp a day or two later when I am on leave. I have a subaru outback as the tow vehicle, and Im not really supposed to go over 1000 pound trailer weight without brakes. I have done it, but considering the scope of the trip we are hoping to take, Im not willing to do it without the brakes. I would like to order the brakes now, but I am not hope to rip apart the hub and look for the bearing stamps and/or take measurements. This is what I know based upon what my wife has been able to measure: -The trailer has a 2 3/8 inch 3500LB Axle with brake flanges already on. -The wheel bolt pattern is 4 on 4 -The hub does have an EZ Lube grease fitting. -The last section of axle between the brake flange and the existing hub measures ~1 1/2 inch in diameter. I know that this is a light amount of information, and if you cannot answer which brake assemblies, Drums/Hubs, Bearings, and seals I would need to do the job I COMPLETELY understand. BUT, considering you guys are absolute geniuses when it comes to this stuff seriously, your website is incredible I figured I would give it a shot and ask anyway. Thanks!

asked by: David W

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

First and foremost, thank you for your service to our country. It is greatly appreciated.

Ultimately you are correct that the most accurate way to determine the correct hub and drum assembly is to pull the hub and find the bearing and grease seal numbers or at least use a digital caliper to measure the spindle where they sit. However, there are a few pieces of info that we can possibly piece together to make an educated guess as to what you have.

We do have the Dexter Axle Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly # 8-173-16UC3-EZ which measures 7" in diameter and is compatible with 2,200 lb EZ Lube axles. It does have the 4 on 4" bolt pattern that you mentioned and fits on a straight spindle like part # TRU44FR which takes the same inner and outer bearing # L44649. For this option you need 7" brake assemblies # 23-47-48 rated for 2,000 lbs.

Since you said that your trailer has a 3,500 lb axle we do have a kit that fits your typical 3,500 lb axle but this size doesn't feature a 4 on 4" bolt pattern. This option includes the 10" diameter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K which uses inner bearing # L68149 and outer bearing # L44649 that fit on a spindle like part # TRU74FR. This hub has a 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern which is different from what your current wheels have. The brakes that you need for this option is part # AKEBRK-35-SA which are self-adjusting.

These hub and drum assemblies come with the bearings and seals for the spindle but like I said above, to make sure they are a 100% match it is best to measure the spindle or check for part numbers.

To add wiring to your trailer for the brakes I recommend using the Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit # HS381-9000 which has terminals that are labeled for easier installation. It includes the ring terminals needed for installing your wires but you need 10 Gauge Wire # 10-1-1 to run the wiring to your brakes.

You also need a breakaway kit on your trailer to apply the trailer brakes in the case that the trailer was to become uncoupled. I recommend the Hopkins Kit # 20099 which has a button that lets you see how charged your battery is. The built-in battery charger helps to keep the battery charged as well.

I was able to see that you have also ordered the Universal Wiring Kit # ETBC7 and the Prodigy P3 # 90195 brake controller for your Subaru Outback. If you need help installing these parts just let me know and I'd be happy to offer assistance.

expert reply by: Jon G

1

Answer 1

There are exceptions to some rules, generally speaking 13 inch trailer wheels will not work with 10 inch hub and drums. Your wheels might be manufactured differently than most and there isn't a clearance issue like on most. I would imagine the…

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Answer 2

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 3

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 4

To determine the size of the hub assembly you need to purchase you have to determine which bearings are in the old assembly. If the old assembly has L44649 inner bearings, you would use the hub you chose #8-258-5UC1. If the inner bearings are marked…

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Answer 5

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

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Answer 6

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 7

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 8

Trailer wheel bearings are specific to the spindle that is installed on the axle that is on your trailer. You will need to safely support the trailer, remove the wheel and tire, remove the grease cap, remove the cotter pin and washer that secures the…

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Answer 9

You will need to measure the diameter of the spindles where the seal and bearings ride. Check out the picture I attached that shows where this is. You will need an exact measurement so either a digital or dial caliper will be needed. To pick out the…

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Answer 10

First you will need to remove the old hydraulic equipment. Remove the surge coupler or actuator, remove all the lines, and finally remove the brake assemblies. If you have 10 inch diameter hub and drums, you may need to replace those as well. If you…

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Answer 11

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 12

Depending on how the trailer was made, there will be a few spots you can check to identify the axle. First, if the trailer was pre-made by a specific company, you may be able to find this information in either the paperwork or on a placard somewhere…

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Parts Needed to Add Electric Drum Brakes to a 2004 Viking Epic Model M2007

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