Converting from Electric Drum Trailer Brakes to Kodiak Hydraulic Disc Trailer Brakes

Question

Question:

I live in Canada and have a 1993 Hayshed 18 foot car trailer with two 3500# electric axles. On one of my recent trips to the states I cooked the bearings on one axle and had it get all heated up, melting the cable for the actuator. I need to repair this and upgrade the second axle as well. Looking for parts on-line I saw the disc replacement and Im wondering if this is a simple replacement or if there are several other parts to replace as well. For instance does it still use the same electrical hook up to actuate, stuff like that. I find the conversion kits to be economical, but wonder if there are hidden costs Im not factoring in.

asked by: Dave B

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Expert Reply:

To upgrade your car hauler to Disc Brakes will require several items. Since you are already setup with a brake controller for controlling electric brakes, the easiest way to upgrade would be to add an electric over hydraulic brake actuator to the trailer, like the Titan BrakeRite, # T4813102. The pump in this actuator will be activated by the brake output circuit coming from your brake controller.

If your brake controller is proportional, you will need to make sure it is compatible with electric over hydraulic braking systems. We carry the Tekonsha P3 brake controller, # 90195, which is compatible with electric over hydraulic braking systems.

Next, you need to make sure that the brake mounting flange on your trailer axles is compatible with the brake mounting flange in the disc brake kit that you purchase. For a 3,500 lb axle the 4 bolt brake mounting flange is most often used.

Once you have a disc brake kit selected you will need hydraulic brake lines to complete the installation. For a tandem axle setup you can use the Deluxe Hydraulic Line Kit, # 9579-2, to run lines from each brake caliper forward to the electric over hydraulic actuator.

Finally, you will need a breakaway kit, like part # T4822100, to complete the setup.

expert reply by: Robert G

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Answer 1

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 2

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 3

Hey Richard, thanks for reaching out! The Dexter DX7.5 Drop-N-Go Brake Actuator #099-175-00 is a great option for a replacement actuator because it's a direct replacement for the common Model 60 actuators that were popular in the '90s.…

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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

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 6

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 7

Traditionally, trailer manufacturers did not use electric brakes on boat trailers because the brake magnet wiring and trailer wiring did not always have the best insulation or water protection. These days, more and more manufacturers are using…

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Answer 8

To determine the size of the hub assembly you need to purchase you have to determine which bearings are in the old assembly. If the old assembly has L44649 inner bearings, you would use the hub you chose #8-258-5UC1. If the inner bearings are marked…

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Answer 9

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a ST175/80D13 like…

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Answer 10

There really isn't a particular maximum trailer weight that is used to determine when brakes need to be added to both axles of a tandem axle setup. While I do still recommend checking your local laws, I am also not aware of any general laws that…

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Answer 11

The torque for the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 6,000-lb and 7,000-lb Axles - 12" - 5 Spoke Utility #8-174-5UC3 is not specified by the manufacturer. For 9/16 inch studs, the typical lug nut torque will be 120-140 ft lbs based on most…

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Answer 12

The recommended lug nut torque for your 7,000lb axle depends on a few factors like wheel size, stud size etc. Check out the attached photo which shows the torque specs for a variety of applications. I see you were looking at the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust…

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