Recommended Electric Trailer Brakes For Dolittle 6x12 Cargo Trailer With 2990lb GVWR

Question

Question:

I have a Dolittle 12x6 V nose cargo trailer that didnt come with brakes. Im looking for a brake kit that has everything I need to add brakes to the axle. 15 tires, 5 bolt rims. GVWR is 2990. Do you offer a kit that has everything I need? Thank you.

asked by: Dennis R

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

We do not have a kit with all of the components needed to add electric trailer brakes to your Dolittle 6' x 12' cargo trailer but I would be happy to recommend the products needed.

Since your trailer has a GVWR of 2990lbs it more than likely has 3500lb axles but you will want to check the axle tag located on the center of the axle to be sure.

First you will want to make sure that there is a brake mounting flange installed on the axle. This is a 4-bolt flange that will be located directly behind your current idler hub. If you do not have one you will need to have one installed by an axle shop as it will need to be welded perfectly parallel with the axle. If your trailer has a 2-3/8" axle tube you would want the # 4-35.

Next you will need to find which bearings your spindle uses. The easiest way to do this is to remove one of the hubs and look at the bearing numbers stamped in the face of the bearing as you can see in the included picture of the # L44649. If your bearings are worn to the point that you cannot read the bearing numbers you will need to use digital calipers like # PTW80157 to precisely measure your spindles according to the included diagram.

Assuming that your axle is a 3500lb axle the most common bearing combination is the # L68149 inner bearing and # L44649 outer bearing which would use Trailer Hub And Drum Assembly # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K which has the 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern to match your wheels, but you will want to confirm your bearing combination first.

For compatible braking assemblies you would need the Electric Trailer Brake Kit # AKEBRK-35-SA and mounting hardware # BRKH10B.

Next you will need to add a 7-way connector to the trailer using the etrailer Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit w/ Junction Box # HS381-9000 which will give you a junction box to make all of your wiring connections. You will need to use # 12-1-1 to connect each brake assembly to the junction box using heat shrink butt connectors # DW05745-5 for a weather tight connection.

To power and control the new trailer brakes your tow vehicle will need a 7-way connector and trailer brake controller. If you are missing either of these items just let me know the Year/Make/Model of your vehicle and I would be happy to make a recommendation for you.

Lastly if you find that your spindles use a different bearing combination, just email me and I will recommend the correct hub and drum assemblies.

I included videos for each of the products mentioned and a link to a helpful article that goes over adding electric trailer brakes for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Samuel C

1

Bearing Number Stamped On Face Of Bearing
(click to enlarge)

Where To Measure Spindle To Determine Inner and Outer Bearings
(click to enlarge)

Answer 1

You will need to do some measuring to determine if the 10 Inch Electric Brake Assembly LH, item #AKEBRK-35L, is the correct assembly for your trailer. Measure the diameter of the mounted brake shoe, the width of the lining and the distance between…

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Answer 2

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 3

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 4

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 5

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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Answer 6

There really isn't a particular maximum trailer weight that is used to determine when brakes need to be added to both axles of a tandem axle setup. While I do still recommend checking your local laws, I am also not aware of any general laws that…

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Answer 7

Traditionally, trailer manufacturers did not use electric brakes on boat trailers because the brake magnet wiring and trailer wiring did not always have the best insulation or water protection. These days, more and more manufacturers are using…

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Answer 8

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 9

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 10

To find the load capacity for your axle you should look on the trailer VIN plate or sticker that lists the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that…

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Answer 11

Torque specs for wheel lug nuts will vary depending on the diameter of the lugs, type of lug nut and the wheel's material. The linked chart details the recommended torque for many combinations. Dexter Hub/Drum #84546UC3 has 1/2-inch studs and…

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Answer 12

To determine the size of the hub assembly you need to purchase you have to determine which bearings are in the old assembly. If the old assembly has L44649 inner bearings, you would use the hub you chose #8-258-5UC1. If the inner bearings are marked…

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Recommended Electric Trailer Brakes For Dolittle 6x12 Cargo Trailer With 2990lb GVWR

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