Building A Gooseneck Trailer Which Braking System is Recommended Electric/Electric Over Hydraulic  

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When installing the braking system you will want to make sure that the parts are compatible with the weight capacity of the axles, brake mounting flange, and spindles that you will be using to build your trailer.

To add brakes to the gooseneck trailer that you will be building you will need a brake controller installed in the vehicle that you will be towing the trailer with. The brake controller sends signal to the trailer that the vehicle is braking, brake controllers require a wiring system that sends a brake signal to the trailer. I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885.

If your vehicle does not have a vehicle connector that supplies a brake signal you will need to establish one. Typically this is presented as a 7-way flat style, but others are available. I have included a FAQ on typical vehicle and trailer wiring connectors, and the process to establish a vehicle connector that supplies a brake signal such as the # ETBC7.

I recommend using an electric over hydraulic brake system on the trailer you are constructing. The electric over hydraulic braking system offers the benefits of both systems with the quick response time of electric brakes combined with the stopping power of hydraulic brakes. You also have the option to control the action of the trailer braking with the brake controller that is mounted in your vehicle towing the trailer. This is very helpful if you anticipate towing a variety of loads and you can adjust the trailer braking accordingly.

With electric over hydraulic brakes you have the option to choose hydraulic drum or hydraulic disc brakes. Disc brakes are generally more powerful, provide a shorter stopping distance, require less maintenance, and have fewer moving parts All of the factors would be be beneficial on the dusty gravel roads you anticipate using while towing this trailer, and I suggest using electric over hydraulic disc brakes for your application.

An electric over hydraulic brake actuator will also be needed for use with your electric over hydraulic disc braking system, the product that you mentioned is an actuator for electric over hydraulic drum braking system. I have included a link to several options for an actuator. Please choose an appropriate actuator depending on your choice of disc or drum brakes.

The Carisle HydraStar # HBA16 would be a great choice for use with disc brakes. This actuator can be used on single, tandem, or triple axle trailers, and has a maximum output pressure of 1600 psi, however it is only compatible with disc brakes. This actuator is compatible with the Prodigy P2 brake controller.

To install this electric over hydraulic disc brake system on your trailer you will have to install the brake line kit on the trailer. This kit is composed of a brake line kit and a disk brake calipers. I have provided links to the disc brake assembly options that are available to you. Please choose the correct assembly depending on your existing axle size, wheel size, and bolt pattern. I have also provided a link to the brake line kit for your disc brakes as well.

If you happen to be constructing your trailer with tandem axles at the weight rating of those axles is 3,500 pounds and has a 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern with wheel sizes 14 to 15 inches you might find using the Titan Disc Brake Kit # T4843800 beneficial. It has all the components that you will need to install electric over hydraulic brakes on your trailer. Keep in mind that you will still have to install a brake controller on your vehicle, and this is not included in Titan kit.

Electric drum brakes are an option as well however they do not offer as much stopping power as hydraulic brakes. Using the brake controller mounted in your vehicle you can control the action of the brakes depending on the load in the trailer. One benefit of using electric drum brakes is that they are typically less expensive.

I have included several helpful articles that explain the components of the different types of braking systems, and that include tables showing common combinations of trailer brake components.

I have also included links to the product category pages, you will need to choose the appropriate product that best suited for the weight capacity, bearings, and seals that you are using to build this trailer. Please keep in mind that which ever brake system you choose all the components need to be compatible.

expert reply by: Rachael H

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