What Parts Are Needed To Add Brakes To A 1997 Coleman Destiny Pop-Up Camper

Question:

Hey. I am looking at buying a 1997 Coleman Destiny Bayport and I need to fit it with brakes. As far as I know that model came with barked as an option but this particular camper doesn’t have them. Can you help me figure out what I need to buy to add brakes and the controller for a 2010 Subaru Forester? Thanks.

asked by: Tim Z

Expert Reply:

To add electric brakes to the Coleman Destiny Bayport pop-up camper, you will need a few pieces of information. You will will need to know the weight capacity of the axle, bolt pattern of the wheels, and whether or not it has brake flanges already and their bolt pattern.

If no brake flanges then you will have to either replace the axle with one that does or you can purchase brake flanges like Item # 4-34 and have a qualified welder weld them to the axle.

After sorting out what you have, you will need hub and drum assemblies. The hub and drum assemblies need to be compatible with your trailer spindles. The numbers stamped into the existing bearings and seals will help you find the right assemblies. If you can not find the stamped number then you will need to use a digital caliper like Item # PTW80157 to measure the inner and outer bearing seats on the spindle so that you get the right ones.

For example, if the axle has a weight capacity of 2,000-lbs, has inner and outer bearings like Item # L44643 which is a common size, and has a 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern then you need a Trailer Hub-and-Drum Assembly like Item # AKHD-545-2-1K. In turn, the matching electric brakes will be the Electric Trailer Brake Kit, Item # AKEBRK-2, that includes left and right hand assemblies, fits wheels that are 10 inch or 12 inch or 13 inch, have a 4-bolt mounting flange pattern, and are 7 inches in diameter x 1-1/4 inches wide.

Besides these things, you will need wiring for your 2010 Subaru Forester, a brake controller, and a breakaway kit. For your Subaru you will need a 4-way connector if you do not already have one like the Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Way Connector, Item # 118467, which plugs directly into your existing wiring. You will also need to convert the 4-Way connector to a 7-Way connector with additional wiring for a brake controller with the Universal Installation Kit for Brake Controllers, Item # ETBC7. A popular brake controller that is easy to install and use is the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Brake Controller, Item # 90195.

You will need a breakaway kit for your trailer in case your trailer becomes uncoupled that will apply the trailer's brakes like the Hopkins Breakaway Kit, Item # 20099. You may also need a 7-Way Connector on the trailer side like the Hopkins 7-Way Trailer Wire Connector, Item # H20043.

If this will not work for you, let me know and we can make correct recommendations.

I am also attaching articles and videos to assist you.