Determining Correct Replacement Brake and Hub Assemblies for 2017 Karavan Boat Trailer

Question:

My trailer has no brakes

asked by: Andrew M

Expert Reply:

In order to find the correct replacement electric brake assemblies for your boat trailer, you will want to first measure the depth and diameter of your drums (or just measure your existing brakes). Also take a look at the brake mounting flange on your axle to make sure you choose assemblies that feature a matching mounting pattern.

For example, the etrailer.com Trailer Brake Kit # AKEBRK-35-SA that you were looking at includes 10 inch diameter x 2-1/4 inch wide assemblies with a 4 bolt mounting flange pattern. They are designed for 3,500 pound axles.

If you are also needing to replace your hub and drum assemblies, you will need to pull one of the hubs and check for the bearings that they use. The bearing numbers should be stamped right inside the bearings themselves. You will also want to make sure that the replacement hubs feature the same bolt pattern as your existing units. If you are unsure what your bolt pattern is, I have attached a great article that explains how to measure this.

For example, if your have a 3,500 pound axle, most likely the correct hub and drum assembly is one that uses the # L68149 inner bearing and # L44649 outer bearing like the etrailer.com # AKHD-545-35-K. This 10 inch hub features a 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern and will work perfectly with the above mentioned brake assemblies as well.

expert reply by: Chris R

Andrew

7/10/2018

My trailer has no brakes

Chris R.

7/10/2018

I have attached a great article that outlines every item needed to add electric brakes to a trailer like yours that doesn't have any. First check to see if your trailer's axle has brake mounting flanges already attached. These will be behind the existing hub assemblies on each side of the axle. If there are no mounting flanges, you will need to either purchase flanges and have them welded on by a qualified welder or simply replace the axle itself with one that has them already installed. Then you will simply choose the correct hub and drums and brake assemblies as outlined above, making sure that the new hubs match your current bolt pattern. With the assemblies in place, you will need to wire the trailer for electric brakes. You will need to run wiring from the front of the trailer back to the brake assemblies. Each assembly will have 2 wires coming out of the back. One wire will go to the trailer frame for ground and the other will be the power wire (it does not matter which one you use for which purpose). In the attached article you will see a detailed description of this exact process. Then if you do not already have one, you will need to install a brake controller like the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885 on your tow vehicle. If you can tell me the year, make, and model of your vehicle, I will be happy to recommend any other parts you might need.