Installing New Axle and Electric Brakes on an Interstate Loadrunner 6x12 Trailer Without Brakes

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Question:

Hello there. I have a single axle 6x12 Interstate Loadrunner trailer that has no brakes. A local indusrial supply house has a 3500lb axle with brakes, a 5 on 4.5 I believe it is. Can I just buy it and swap the axles or am I missing alot of information? The unit is on sale for 249 dollars but only until feb 3/13. Any help would be kindly appreciated. Thank you

asked by: Dale

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Expert Reply:

You can install on your existing trailer a new axle that has electric brakes, but there are a few things to consider.

First you need to make sure the new axle has a weight capacity equal to or greater than the stock axle.
(I did a check on the Interstate website and they offer several 6x12 trailers with varying weight capacities so you need to confirm the axle specs for your specific trailer to be sure the replacement has an equal or higher rating.) Next you need to verify that the hub bolt pattern on the new axle matches your existing wheels. You will also need to determine whether your stock axle is straight or has a drop, what the spring center measurement is, and the measurement of the hub face. (You may also have a torflex axle, which will require you find out the start angle of the axle, hub face measurement, and outside mounting bracket measurement). Please refer to the diagrams sent in a separate email.

Since your trailer does not have brakes currently you will need to install new wiring to connect the new trailer brakes to the required brake controller. We offer a wiring kit to provide the required 7-way connector on the back of your vehicle, part # ETBC7. A video on this item is included. Your tow vehicle needs to have a 4-way connector at the back bumper in order to install the ETBC7. If you do not already have tow package wiring with a working 4-way you will need to install one; the correct part is determined by your vehicle year/make/model. You can provide this information to us or use the wiring fitguide to find the correct part; a link is provided.

You will also need a brake controller, such as the Tekonsha P2 Proportional Controller, part # 90885, which is among the most popular and easiest to use. I have included a video demonstrating a typical installation. And you will also need a vehicle-specific wiring harness to connect the controller to your vehicle braking system, so it knows when to send a braking signal to the trailer brakes. If your vehicle does not have tow package wiring you will need to hardwire a connector for the controller (included with the P2). If you do have tow package wiring and wish to provide the year/make/model of your tow vehicle I can direct you to the appropriate vehicle-specific wiring harness, or you can use the provided link to our trailer wiring fitguide.

expert reply by: Adam R

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Answer 1

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 2

If you connect the trailer brake light circuit to the trailer brake circuit your brakes would lock up immediately since 12 volts is max braking voltage for trailer brakes. You'd need a brake controller that can vary voltage so that you can apply…

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Answer 3

When determining if you need 10 inch or 12 inch brake assemblies there are a couple of easy things to check to confirm the fit for your trailer. The first thing is you can measure the diameter of your hub. The second thing is you can look at the…

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Answer 4

The Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty #RED24FR is the way to go over the Elite #RED44FR as you get the nicer functions of the Elite at a lower price. The Elite has the ability to be the more preferred proportional style of controller as well as a time-delayed…

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Answer 5

While the simple answer is yes, you can replace your 3,500 lb axles with 5,200 lb axles, it will require a number of all-new parts and isn't going to quite give you the safety margin you are looking for. The reason for that is because capacity is…

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Answer 6

For the brake circuit of your trailer you will want to run 10 gauge wire like our part #10-1-1 which is sold by the foot and is standard copper primary wire. We use it all the time here on trailers and it works great. For bonded 14 gauge wire that…

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Answer 7

You'd want to first determine the overall capacity of the trailer to be sure that with more axle capacity you would end up with more total capacity. The capacity for a trailer is more than just the axle capacity. The frame of the trailer,…

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Answer 8

Yes, you can upgrade your 24' enclosed trailer's 5,200 lbs axles to 7,000 lbs straight axles. You'll need to upgrade your trailers suspension components, hubs, and wheels/tires. You will want to measure your current axle to ensure fit. I…

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Installing New Axle and Electric Brakes on an Interstate Loadrunner 6x12 Trailer Without Brakes

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