Parts Needed to Convert From Hydraulic to Electric Brakes for 3,500 lb Axles

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Question:

Im looking to add electric brakes to my dual axle trailer. It currently has hydraulic brakes to front axle. Wanting brakes to both axles. My tires are 215-75-15, measured the 4 holes on the axle where the mounting plate is and the distance center to center is 2 3/4. The existing brake drum looks to be 11.

asked by: Ryan

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Expert Reply:

Thanks for that info, and based on what you said, it sounds like you have a standard brake mounting flange like # 4-35 for a 3,500 lb axle. I do recommend just double-checking the inside diameter of your drum, as electric brakes for 3,500 lb axles fit drums that have an inside diameter of 10 inches.

Assuming that is correct, we have exactly what you need to outfit your tandem axle trailer with electric brakes, which are the following parts:

- Two (for both axles) of the Electric Trailer Brake Kit - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 3,500 lbs # AKEBRK-35-SA

- Two of the Mounting Hardware for 10" Brake Assemblies # BRKH10B

- Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit with Built-In Battery Charger # 20400

- Junction Box # 3375601100, 7-Way Connector # H20046, Ring Terminals # 44-5310A

- Jacketed 2 Wire (Brake Wire) - 12 Gauge - per Foot # 12-2-1

- To connect the brakes to your wiring, the Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connectors # DW05745-10 and Heat Gun # ALL836717

The only other thing you will need is a brake controller if you don't have one, and if you let me know the year, make, and model of your tow vehicle, and if it has a 7-way or not, I can recommend one for you. I have also added links below to help articles and some videos for you to take a look at if you'd like.

expert reply by: Kyle S

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Answer 1

The 4 mounting bolts on the Dexter Hydraulic Trailer Brake Kit - Uni-Servo - 7" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 2.5K #23-398-399 you were looking at are 2-3/4" apart on center or 4" apart when measured diagonally and will fit your…

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Answer 2

Sounds like you are looking to upgrade a trailer from having idler hubs to one that has brakes. There are several things to consider and determine to do this. If you check out the FAQ article I attached you will see exactly how to add brakes to a…

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Answer 3

Brakes like the Dexter #23-398-399 that are rated for 2,500 lbs have the capacity to work with 1,800 lb axles, but to get the right brakes you'll need to know your brake's mounting flange bolt pattern as well as your drum diameter. The…

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Answer 4

The Electric Trailer Brake Kit #AKEBRK-2 is designed to fit a Flange #4-34 which spaces the mounting holes 2-7/8" on center. As these are within 1/8" of the dimensions you listed I recommend rechecking the measurements for verification. I…

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Answer 5

I have three spindles that are for a 3,500-lb axle and have the bearing dimensions you have listed. The only difference is the dimension for the grease seal is 1.75 inches, not the 1.795 inches that you have mentioned. Maybe you typed in the seal…

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Answer 6

I attached a picture of a 4-bolt mounting flange like what the brake assembly part #AKEBRK-2 you referenced is designed to attach to. This is a standard dimension so I would be shocked if the flange on yours was different.

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Answer 7

My contact at Dexter said that the hubs will be the same for hydraulic and electric brakes on their 7,000 pound axle. For electric brakes for your 7,000 pound axles, I recommend the 12 Inch Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Brake Assembly #23-465 for the…

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Answer 8

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 9

If your trailer has 7 wires running all the way back to the brakes, then yes, you can tap into the existing wiring. Each of your new brakes will have two wires for the brake magnet. One wire is for 12 volt power to the brake magnets and the other…

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Answer 10

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 11

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 12

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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Parts Needed to Convert From Hydraulic to Electric Brakes for 3,500 lb Axles

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