Putting Brakes On A 16 Foot Flatbed Trailer That Did Not Come With Brakes.

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Question:

I need to know what self adjusting electric brake assembly will work on my trailer. It did not come with brakes, so I would need the proper drum and brake assembly. It has 15inch tires and the lug spacing is 2 1/2inch from center to center of the lugs next to one another or 4 1/2inch from center to center of lugs across from one another on a 5 bolt pattern. It is a tandem axle trailer, but I want to put brakes only on one axle the front axle I think would be best?. I looked at the axles for any information, and could only find XS210 and JH molded into the back side of the hub. Found a faded tag on the trailer tongue that said the gross weight of the axles is 7000 #. I pulled the hub and the outer bearing is a L44549 as best as I can read it. I would also want a wiring harness and 7 pin plug if available. Thanks.

asked by: Ed D

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Expert Reply:

A place to start is to make sure you have brake flanges like # 4-35. When a brake mounting flange is welded to an axle, it must be welded square and concentric. This usually requires a jig to hold both parts in position. A trailer shop should have the equipment and personnel to weld brake mounting flanges to your axle.

With a 5 bolt pattern and since this trailer never had brakes before, it's very likely you have 2 - 3,500lb axles and the trailer capacity is 7,000lbs. Additionally, instead of your outer bearing being L44549 it's likely # L44649 which is a common size for 3,500lb axles. Measure your old bearing and make sure it's inner diameter is 1.063 inches to be sure. The corresponding inner bearing you likely have is # L68149 which measures 1.378 inches. You'll want to verify that as well. If I'm wrong about the bearing numbers certainly let me know and I can make corrected recommendations.

If you verify the above is correct regarding your bearings, the electric brake assembly I recommend is the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Kit # 23-468-469.

You will want to put brakes on the rear axle because they have the most ground contact and will more effectively grab during braking as the flex in the suspension will actually push the rear axle into the ground when braking.

For a 7-Way connector and wiring, the Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit # HS381-9000 is what I recommend. To run wiring from the back to the front of your trailer you'll want 10 gauge wire like the Deka Jacketed # 10-2-1 to provide the length you'll need for wiring installation. For this reason trailer manufacturers will put brakes on the rear of a tandem axle when only adding one set of brakes.

Finally for the brake controller, the Curt Echo Mobile Trailer Brake Controller # C51180 is a popular choice with our customers that provides proportional braking and wireless management from your phone.

I have included a help article as well that provides a great overview of what's needed adding trailer brakes.

expert reply by: Patrick R

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Answer 1

If your trailer does not have brakes on the axles at this time then I would recommend putting brakes on at least one axle. Many car haulers and utility style trailers with 7,000 pound gross trailer and load weight ratings have brakes on only one…

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Answer 2

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more…

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Answer 3

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 4

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 5

To find the load capacity for your axle you should look on the trailer VIN plate or sticker that lists the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that…

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Answer 6

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 7

If you check out the attached picture you can see where you'll find the serial number and date code on your cover.

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Answer 8

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the…

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Answer 9

The best brake controller option to go with is one that activates the brakes proportionally instead of time delayed. A proportional brake controller will activate the trailer brakes at the same time and with the same intensity as the tow vehicle…

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Answer 10

To determine the size of the brake assemblies you need you have to measure the depth and width of the hub drum on the axle like what you see in the picture I attached. The most common size is 2-1/4 inch wide like the #T4071600-500 that you…

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Answer 11

You're right, the mounting bracket is unique (in a good way) for the Curt TriFlex NEXT Trailer Brake Controller #C24VV. The bracket is smaller and all you do is put the included adhesive tape on the bracket and stick it wherever you like…

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Answer 12

Trailer wheel bearings are specific to the spindle that is installed on the axle that is on your trailer. You will need to safely support the trailer, remove the wheel and tire, remove the grease cap, remove the cotter pin and washer that secures…

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Putting Brakes On A 16 Foot Flatbed Trailer That Did Not Come With Brakes.

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