How to Determine Which Electric Trailer Brakes Fit

Question:

I have a 2015 Phoenix PT20 pontoon boat trailer carrying a 21 foot crest. The boat is about 2300 lbs is a 60 hp outboard. It is a single axle with no brakes at all. I am looking for an easy option to add some electric brakes to this trailer. Can you point me in the right direction? The only wiring on it is for lights.

asked by: Zack

Expert Reply:

There is a way to add some electric brakes easily, though there is some information that is needed in order to determine the assemblies that will work for your pontoon boat trailer. To determine the brake assemblies that will fit your trailer, you need to know your axle's weight capacity, your mounting flange bolt pattern and the inside diameter and depth of your drum.

For example, the Electric Trailer Brake Kit - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 3,500 lbs # AKEBRK-35-SA will work if you have a 3,500 lb axle, a hub and drum such as # AKHD-545-35-K that allows 10" brake assemblies, and a 4-bolt mounting flange such as # 4-35. To install these brake assemblies you would also need Mounting Hardware # BRKH10B.

If you do not have a hub and drum you will need to add them, and in order to do so you need to know the weight rating of your axle, and also what bearings your current hub has. You will need to take apart your current hub assembly and look at the bearings themselves; wipe away the grease and you should be able to see the part number stamped directly on them. You can then use these bearing numbers to find the associated hub and drum that will fit.

Additionally you will need a breakaway kit such as the Hopkins Engager # 20099, a 7-way on your tow vehicle and a brake controller.

I have added a link to a help article which details everything you need to add electric brakes which I strongly recommend reading, and if you can get back to me with more details I may be able to help you find the correct parts.