Adding Electric Brakes To A Car Dolly Trailer Without Brakes
Question:
Can I add brakes to a car dolly that came without brakes?
asked by: Dennis R
Helpful Expert Reply:
Yes, you can definitely add brakes to your car dolly. I recommend installing electric brakes as they more cost effective and provide the most stopping power for your application.
To add electric brakes to your tow dolly you'll need to know the bearing size and bolt pattern of the brake flange. Most likely you have a 4 bolt pattern brake flange which would mean you likely have a 3,500lb axle but we would still want to be sure.
The easiest way to determine which bearings are used on your trailer axle is to take the idler hub off and check for the numbers stamped into the bearings. If the bearing numbers cannot be read, the next best solution is to find the bearings' inner diameter and outer diameter. You'll need to use some calipers like the # PTW80157 to measure the inner diameter and out diameter of both bearings. If your bearings are damaged you can also measure the spindles at the inner (C in diagram) and outer (D in diagram) bearing surfaces as well as the seal contact surfaces (B in diagram).
I've attached an article that goes over typical bearing numbers with there dimensions listed in a chart but I can verify the bearing if you send in the dimensions as well.
Once we know the bearings and bolt pattern of the brake flange we can find the respective electric brakes and hubs/drums and then move on to the electrical components of this setup which include trailer wiring, a breakaway kit, and a brake controller.
(click to enlarge)
(click to enlarge)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
4" Carbon Fiber Digital Caliper
- Hand Tools
- Measuring and Layout Tools
- Digital Calipers
- Carbon Fiber
- Performance Tool
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Parts Needed to Add Electric Drum Brakes to a Trailer
- Shop: Roadmaster Exact Center Steering Stabilizer w/ Custom Brackets for Class A Motorhomes
- Video: Roadmaster Exact Center Steering Stabilizer Installation - 2004 Ford F-53
- Shop: Vehicle Sway Bars
- Search Results: steering stabilizer
- Shop: Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Fixed Arms
- Shop: Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar for Blue Ox Base Plates - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Search Results: blue ox base plates
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Reese Trailer Connector Adapter w/ LED Circuit Tester and Dust Cover - 7-Pole to 4-Pole or 5-Pole
- Shop: Replacement Fan Switch for Ventline RV Range Hood - P Series - Black with White Fan Icon
- Shop: Replacement Operator, Knob and Screw for Ventline Ventadome Trailer Roof Vents w/ Wedge-Shaped Dome
- Shop: Replacement Fan Motor Assembly Kit for Dometic FanTastic Roof Vent Fans
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Wheel Masters 4-Hose Inflation Kit Review
- Video: Review of Wheel Masters Wheel Covers Hubcaps - Front Rear 16 Inch Wheel Covers 8 Lug - WM3160B0
- Search Results: tow dolly electric brake kit
- Search Results: 12~2~1
- Q&A: How to Dinghy Tow a 2017 Nissan Versa
- Shop: Wheel Liners
- Article: What Is a Supplemental Braking System?
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: Blazer Tow Bar Wiring - Bypasses Vehicle Wiring - C6304 Review
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Search Results: wireless tow lights
- Search Results: trailer brake controller harness
- Search Results: trailer brake controller
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
on Hand Tools
