Karavan 2600 lb Single Axle Boat Trailer Electric Brakes

Question:

I have a 2005 Bayliner 175 with a Karavan 2600 lb GAWR single axle boat trailer with 4 hole brake flanges. It has 13 inch tires ST175/80R13. Trailer model is Karavan US-2200-74-ST. I would like to install electric brakes. Car manufacturer specifies brakes if trailer exceeds 1000 lbs. I am not sure what product you would recommend.

asked by: John M

Expert Reply:

To add electric brakes to your Karavan US-2200-74-ST boat trailer, where Karavan has specified L44649 as the outside bearing and L68149 as the inside bearing, you will need the following parts.

You can use the etrailer # AKEBRK-35-SA Electric Brake Kit including left and right assemblies. Add nuts and lock washers with part # BRKH10B. These brakes are self-adjusting and rated for use with axle weights up to 3500 pounds. There are lesser priced assemblies that are not self-adjusting.

For a hub and drum kit that accommodates a “5 on 4.5” bolt pattern, E-Z lube spindles, axles rated up to 3500 pounds, I would suggest the etrailer # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K. This kit will include new bearings and race, grease seal, grease cap, wheel bolts, and lug nuts. If your use and storage conditions warrant it, we also offer a galvanized assemble by ordering the Dexter # 8-247-50UC3-EZ kit.

For your trailer wiring I would install an Epicord # 277-000141 junction box with 7-way pigtail included. Then snip off the 4-pole connector from your existing trailer wiring, and using # 44-5310A ring connectors, connect these to the junction box. Get 8 of these ring connectors. Add a jumper wire from the white terminal to the trailer frame. Now you need two wires for brake and ground ran back to the new brakes. I would use Deka # 12-2-1 Brake Wire. This is sold by the foot, so measure your run to one brake, then over to the other, and get a few extra feet. Probably 30' would get it? At the junction box end crimp on the two left over ring ends attaching the white wire to the white terminal, and the black wire to the blue terminal. Back at the brakes there will be two wires for brakes on each brake. These are not polarized – so you can connect them either way using Deca # DW05745-5 heat shrink butt connectors. I especially like “heat shrink” connectors for boat trailers.

Next determine if you want or need a trailer brake brakeaway battery and switch. In some areas they may be required by law, but they are a good idea either way. I like the Curt # C52044 because it comes with the battery and the built in smart charger prevents over charging. Get three more crimp on ring connectors to make connecting to your trailer wiring junction box fast and easy.

At this point your trailer is ready to go – now for your tow vehicle.

If your vehicle does not already have a 7-pin receptacle then you can easily add the Curt # C56326 vehicle wiring harness. This will connect to the factory prewired connector.

If your vehicle does not have a built in trailer brake controller you will need the Brake EVN # TK63VR controller and # 20127 custom connector for your GMC.