Parts Needed to Add Electric Drum Brakes to Rockwood Bay Port Camper Trailer

Question:

Hi, I am considering purchasing a 1995 Rockwood tent trailer model 1940. It currently has idler hubs and no brakes. I want to figure out how and how much it would be to install electric trailer brakes. The existing axle does not have a brake flange. Thanks,

asked by: Dan W

Expert Reply:

It is quite feasible to add electric drum brakes to a camper trailer that does not already have them. You can refer to the linked article on this subject for a good recap of the whole matter.

Since your axle spindles do NOT have brake flanges I suggest a whole new axle. The reason is that while brake flanges can certainly be welded on, their installation accuracy is critical. This is in no way a DIY type of job. Special jigs and welding experience are required to ensure the flanges are welded on perfectly straight and concentric. This can be done but by swapping out the whole axle for a kit that includes the axle, hub/drums, brakes, bearings, etc the job will be easier and pretty much foolproof. It may even cost you less in the long run.

You want to choose a new axle/brake/hub kit with the same weight capacity as yours and that has the same overall hub-face-to-hub-face dimension, spring center spacing and the same wheel bolt pattern. The linked page displays all of our axle kits, some of which include brakes, such as the Dexter 89-inch axle kit # 35545E-ST-89. This axle/brake/hub kit is rated for 3500-lbs.

We also have the unique Timbren axle-less trailer suspensions such as 3500-lb-rated kit # A35RS545E which can bolt-on or weld-on to your trailer frame. The main advantage of these are improved ground clearance - great if you often go off-road - through the complete elimination of the leaf spring suspension and the maintenance that goes along with it.

After you review the article and confirm the axle weight rating please feel free to let me know your preference and I will be glad to recommend parts for you.

No matter which axle type you choose you will need a trailer brake controller in your vehicle, such as the reliable and easy-to-use Prodigy P3 # 90195, a 7-way wiring setup to handle the brake signals, a trailer breakaway kit like # 20099 and a junction box like # HS381-9000.