How To Add Brakes To Pontoon Boat Trailer with Tandem Axles
Question:
I have a 1999 Nationwide two axel pontoon trailer for a 24’ boat and I am trying to decide if I should add brakes to it or buy a new trailer and sell this one. The spring centers are 81” and the face of the hubs length is 92.5”. This is where the rim meets the hub face. The axle is 2 3/8” round. It has 20.5 x 8 10 tires and rims. What are my options and cost please. thank you for your help.
asked by: Rick E
Expert Reply:
In order to add brakes to a trailer you must first know the axle capacity. If the axle measures 2-3/8" diameter then odds are you have a 3,500 lb axle which is the most common. If that is the case then adding brakes should be fairly easy so long as you already have a four bolt brake mounting flange. In which case, electric brakes which can be used on a boat trailer and are even installed by most manufacturers nowadays are the most cost effective so that is what I recommend. For this, the Electric Trailer Brake Kit part # AKEBRK-35-SA and Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly part # AKHD-545-35-G-K would be great options just be sure to verify the brake mounting flange, wheel bolt pattern, and bearing/seal combo.
The only other things that would be needed aside from this are the Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit part # HS381-9000 and Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit part # 20099.
Products Referenced in This Question
etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- Standard Grade
- Self Adjust
- 10 x 2-1/4 Inch Drum
- 3500 lbs Axle
- etrailer
more information >
Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 3,500-lb Axles - 10" Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2 - Galvanized
- Trailer Hubs and Drums
- Hub with Integrated Drum
- Standard
- L68149
- L44649
- For 3500 lbs Axles
- 1/2 Inch Stud
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- 13 Inch Wheel
- 14 Inch Wheel
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- etrailer
more information >
Wiring Kit for Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuators
- Accessories and Parts
- Brake Actuator
- Disc Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- Wiring
- Hydrastar
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit w/ Built-In Charger - Side Load - 7" Wire
- Trailer Breakaway Kit
- Kit with Charger
- Side Load
- Single-axle
- Tandem-axle
- LED Tester
- Hopkins
more information >
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