Parts Needed to Switch From Hydraulic Trailer Brakes to Electric

Question:

Hello. I just watched a YouTube video from you and I’m interested in getting some of those Dexter magnetic brakes. I have a two horse bumper pull trailer That had old hydraulic drum brakes. The hydraulic system is shot so I’m just going to magnetic electric. I took off the outer hub and I have four bolt 10 inch drums I think. That had old hydraulic drum brakes. The hydraulic system is shot so I’m just going to magnetic electric. I took off the outer hub and I have four bolt 10 inch drums I think. The problem is you have many different assemblies and I’m not sure which one I need. This is a pretty beat up trailer so I’m trying to get out of this as economically as possible. Do you think AKEBRK-35 Will work? I guess one question is if my outer drum will fit on the new one. I did measure the old one and it is 10 inches in diameter. This is a four wheel trailer so I guess I need to get two sets of these. Let me know if you think that part number will work or something else will work better. Thank you so much.

asked by: Douglas

Expert Reply:

As long as your existing brake assemblies are 10" x 2-1/4" and your axles are 3500-lbs capacity you can replace them with the Electric Trailer Brake Kit 10" # AKEBRK-35 - these will work with the 4 bolt mounting flanges you currently have. Since these are manually adjusting brakes, you'll need a brake adjusting spoon # W80630 to adjust these brakes after they're installed. Also, since they do not come with any mounting hardware you'll need Mounting Hardware Kit # BRKH10B.

Because you're swapping from hydraulic brakes to electric, there are a number of other parts you're going to need to make this possible, including a new trailer plug, wiring, breakaway battery and brake controller. I've provided you with a list of the parts I recommend using to make this swap complete below.

10 gauge wiring for trailer # 10-1-1 (sold by the foot)
7- way connector for trailer # H20044
Junction Box for trailer wiring # 3375601100
Breakaway Battery Kit # 50-85-315

If you don't already have a 7 way on your tow vehicle, you will need to add one, as well as a trailer brake controller to allow your trailer brakes to work in conjunction with your vehicle. For a brake controller, the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885 is one of our most popular and reliable brake controllers. This controller provides proportional braking in relation to the brakes being applied in the tow vehicle for the best braking response and a system that will limit the wear and tear on your trailer brakes.

If you can let me know what your tow vehicle is, I can help you locate the appropriate 7 way wiring harness and brake controller adapter to help make the installation of the controller easier and get everything you need on the vehicle side. I've also linked our helpful article that we put together on adding electric brakes to a trailer, which outlines all of the parts I mentioned above and provides some additional information you might find helpful.