Can etrailer.com Electric Trailer Brake Kit # AKEBRK-6 Be Used with 17 or 18 Inch Wheels

Question:

Could these brakes and hubs be used with 17 or 18inch wheels? Thank you

asked by: Chris

Expert Reply:

The etrailer.com Electric Trailer Brake Kit # AKEBRK-6 referenced in your question can be used with wheel sizes of 14-1/2 inches, 15 inches, 16 inches, and 16-1/2 inches.

The potential problem with using 12 inch assemblies like these with larger 17 or 18 inch wheels isn't necessarily due to the brakes themselves but the hubs they will fit, such as the etrailer.com # AKHD-655-6-EZ-K. A 12 inch hub and drum assembly may not provide enough surface area to safely support a wheel of that size. This can cause major issues if you were to hit a curb or other object on the road with the trailer, as the lack of support from the hub can easily lead to the wheel breaking off or damage to the spindle and axle. Because of this I recommend going with a smaller wheel and tire that will work better with the hub size you need.

expert reply by: Chris R