Adding Electric Brakes to a 1997 Dutchmen Pop Up Camper

Question

Question:

WE just bought a used 1997 Dutchman pop up camper, and are wondering is it hard to install electric brakes and what’s the best type/ brand? We are towing it with our outback, the wht of the camper is about 1800, with an AC on the top, added in 2016

asked by: Zelda B

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Installing electric brakes on any trailer isn't too hard actually. All you have to do is mount the brakes (which requires a brake mounting flange), install a hub and drum assembly, and then run some wiring and a breakaway kit and your trailer is good to go. On your vehicle side you need a 7-Way connector and a brake controller to activate the trailer brakes.

Most likely you have a 2,000 lb axle (which you can verify by looking in the middle of it for a stamp) so you need the mounting flange # 4-35 if you don't already have one. If you need to install this then a professional welder will need to install it on your axle. Another resource to help you determine the weight rating of your axle is our FAQ on bearings which I have linked for you.

For trailer brakes I recommend our Brake Kit # AKEBRK-2 which is compatible with the hub and drum assembly # AKHD-545-2-2K. This uses # L44649 bearings that have a 1.063" inner diameter and it has a 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern which it looks like you have in your picture.

I recommend using the 7-Way Molded Trailer Plug with Junction Box # HS381-9000 and 10 Gauge Wire # 10-1-1 for the wiring on your trailer. You also need the Hopkins Engager Breakaway Kit # 20099 in the case of an emergency.

If you don't already have a 7-Way on your Outback just let me know what year it is and if you already have wiring run. For a brake controller I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195.

I have attached some review videos and instructions for you to check out as well as a helpful article about adding brakes to a trailer.

expert reply by: Jon G

1

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Answer 1

Welding a mounting flange, possible item #4-35, is a very precise installation. The flanges need to be installed square and concentric to the hub and drum assembly and each other. If the flange is installed incorrectly rapid brake lining wear,…

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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

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 4

To get the best braking power for your boat trailer you would want to have disc brakes on both axles. If you happen to be limited to one axle then you would want the rear outfitted. With a 5,000lb boat you likely have two 3,500lb torsion axles. The…

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Answer 5

The complete wet bolt and shackle strap replacement kit I recommend for your application is the MORryde Suspension Upgrade Kit for Tandem Axle Trailers #MR46ZR because it includes the wet bolts with the grease fittings as well as 1/2" thick…

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Answer 6

The best matching leaf springs we offer for a 4,400 lb axle is going to be the #e27SR which is for 4,500 lb axles and has the very common spring length of 26 inches.

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Answer 7

In some situations, brakes can be installed on only one axle of a tandem axle trailer, however you should first check your state laws to see how many brakes are required for the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of your tandem axle trailer. Some…

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Answer 8

Yes, you will. The Reese Pro Round Bar Weight Distribution System item #RE34FR has built in sway control that will keep your trailer in line with your Ram when you make sudden moves or get passed on the highway by a semi. This system has a tongue…

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Answer 9

The Fastway e2 weight distribution (WD) 8,000 lb and 10,000 lb systems do use the same head units so you can easily use the 1,000 lb Trunnion Bars #FA92-01-1099 or 2 of the Rounds Bar #FA94-02-1099 with your current setup depending on which you have.…

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Adding Electric Brakes to a 1997 Dutchmen Pop Up Camper

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