Adding Brakes to Utility Trailer with Custom 3,500 lb Axle with 6 on 5-1/2 Bolt Pattern  

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Expert Reply:

Since you're looking for a relatively easy installation and your camper only has a single 3,500 lb axle, your best option is to add electric brakes. These will work well to provide safe and reliable breaking on your fully loaded trailer and do not require major modifications like adding a hydraulic brake actuator or running hydraulic brake lines, which is the case when adding drum or disc hydraulic brakes to a trailer.

If you already have hubs with integrated drums on your trailer, you can just add brake assemblies # AKEBRK-35-SA. These brakes mount on a 4 bolt mounting flange, like # 4-35, with bolt holes 2-7/8" apart on center. So, as long as yours share the same specs, the recommended brakes will work. To wire these, you can use # 10-1-1 (per foot), you'll need enough length to go across from one assembly to the the other and to run up to the junction box, which I'll mention next.

A 7-way connector on both the vehicle and trailer are necessary as well as a brake controller. To upgrade the trailer's 4-way connector, you can use # HS381-9000, this includes a junction box, which makes wiring your trailer much easier. For a brake controller, I recommend the Curt Echo # C51180, because it's Bluetooth-enabled and does not require any additional wiring, like traditional brake controllers. All you do is plug it between your vehicle and trailer's 7-way and use your smartphone to monitor and control it. To upgrade an existing 4-Pole to a fully functioning 7-way on your vehicle (if you don't already have one), you can use # ETBC7.

You'll also need to install a breakaway kit # 3802308 to ensure the brakes are applied in the event your trailer should ever disconnect from your tow vehicle.

If you currently only have idler hubs on your trailer, you'll need to replace them with hubs/drums. However, since it's a custom-made axle, some of the components that are considered "standard" on 3,500 axles, may be different on yours. Therefore, you'll need to confirm what spindle it uses by measuring the portion of the spindle on which the bearings and seal ride. I've attached a help article that you can use as a resource. If your axle uses a #84 spindle, like the one in the attached photo, then you can replace idler hubs with # AKHD-655-35-EZ-K.

Disc brake kits for 3,500 lb axles, like the # T2HRCM10DAC you were checking out at are only available with a 5 on 4-/12 bolt pattern, so going that route would also involve replacing your hubs, tires and wheels to match, which is not ideal.

I've linked additional Help Articles that I believe you will find useful at the bottom of the page for you.

expert reply by: Carla M

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