How to Determine if Trailer is Equipped with Brakes
Question:
I bought a large 2-axle trailer that has been made into a cooking trailer. I know it does not have hydraulic due to there not being an actuator on the tongue. How can I tell if it might already have electric brakes? If it does not, do I need to replace the whole axle or just hubs, etc? Thanks
asked by: Bo M
Expert Reply:
It is very easy to determine if you have electric brakes on your trailer or not. If it does have brakes then you will have brakes like what comes in the kit # AKEBRK-35-SA and a hub and drum like part # AKHD-545-35-K but if it doesn't there will just be a hub assembly like part # AKIHUB-545-35-K. You can probably determine this by simply looking through or behind your wheel. If you can't tell by doing that then just simply remove and wheel and it will show what you have.
If you don't have brakes then you don't necessarily have to replace the axles. Most axles that would require brakes already have a brake mounting flange like part # 4-35 located right behind the spindle. I am attaching a photo of what this looks like. If you have the brake mounting flange then adding electric brakes is a fairly easy task. If you don't have the flange then you can get one welded on but since it needs to be precise you may want to replace the axle for the sake of safety.
Let me know what you find and I can help you with a brake controller in your tow vehicle to activate the brakes and adding brakes to your trailer (if it doesn't already have brakes).
Products Referenced in This Question
Brake Mounting Flange for 2-3/8" Round Axle
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Disc Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- Brake Mounting Flange
- 10 Inch
- 2-3/8 Inch Diameter Axle
- Redline
more information >
Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 3,500-lb Axles - 10" Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Trailer Hubs and Drums
- Hub with Integrated Drum
- Standard
- L68149
- L44649
- For 3500 lbs Axles
- 1/2 Inch Stud
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- 13 Inch Wheel
- 14 Inch Wheel
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- etrailer
more information >
Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 3,500-lb Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Trailer Hubs and Drums
- Hub
- Pre-Greased
- Standard
- L68149
- L44649
- For 3500 lbs Axles
- 1/2 Inch Stud
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- 13 Inch Wheel
- 14 Inch Wheel
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- Standard Grade
- Self Adjust
- 10 x 2-1/4 Inch Drum
- 3500 lbs Axle
- etrailer
more information >
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Add Electric Brakes to 2020 Karavan Utility Trailer
- Shop: Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 3,500-lb Axles - 10" Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Shop: Brake Mounting Flange for 2-3/8" Round Axle
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K
- Q&A: How to Measure to Determine the Size Trailer Brakes Needed For Hydraulic Drum Replacement
- Article: Most Popular Wheel Bearings
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: etrailer Electric Trailer Brake Kit Installation
- Search Results: 25580
- Q&A: How to Determine the Size of a Trailer Hub Assembly for Replacement
- Shop: Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3.5K Axles - 10" - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: trailer brakes
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: l44649
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Video: etrailer Trailer Brakes - Electric Drum Brakes - AKEBRK-35-SA Review
- Article: Parts Needed to Add Electric Drum Brakes to a Trailer
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left/Right Hand - 5.2K to 7K
- Q&A: Can Electric Brakes be Used on a Boat Trailer
- Search Results: 10~36
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Video: Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Kit Installation
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3,500 lbs
- Article: Testing Trailer Brake Magnets for Proper Function
- Search Results: l68149
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Q&A: Replacement Drum Brake Actuator for a 1995 4 Winns Model 3916 Trailer
on Trailer Brakes
