Installing Electric Brakes On Wells Cargo Trailer

Question:

I have a 94 Wells Cargo Tote, I believe to be 10, but may be 12foot I know I should just go measure it. Like all other Totes, or so I believe, it is 6foot wide, so I was searching other posts for the answer to about how much, how difficult, etc. . . installing electric brakes would be. For one reason or another, there was a 7 way on the trailer, so I assumed brakes, especially since the person I bought it from said there were after the sale, not a part of the price. No brakes, No Aux, only 4 wires going into the 7 way spent the morning fixing the trucks wiring, then forgot to unhook the lights when I ped the trailer, so I had the chance to look inside the 7 way. Since I assumed, this brake controller and wiring kit that has left my wallet sore, but in for a penny, in for a pound. Instead of just selling off the controller, I wondered how much it would cost to install brakes on the trailer. *I just checked should have measured the trailer while I was there, and its 5 on 2.5foot or 2.5foot on 5, however it goes. the rims seem to be 16, but the tires are blah blah/r15. Also, I swear there is a part right behind the wheels that looks like that brake mounting flange 4-35. Is it possible the trailer either has brakes and the wires are stuck in the framing somewhere, or what would be more likely since no wires or anything seem to touch the bar that connects the tires/wheels axle? that the trailer was made ready to have brakes installed? P.S. The couple of answers I have read on here do not include the links the answering person referenced in the reply. I imagine, if replies are generally e-mail and not posts, these are being left out. Parts referenced, however, are still included. No big deal, I just searched how to find blahfoot and it was easy, but just so you guys know. Thank You for all the help I have received just by reading others questions/answers.

asked by: AlexH

Helpful Expert Reply:

From what you have told me, you already have the lighting circuits connected on your 7-way. You would need to add the brake output circuit and the 12-volt accessory circuit if needed. I have linked you to an FAQ article on trailer wiring that shows how this is done. If the connector on the trailer was damaged, you will need to purchase a new 7-way trailer connector. I would recommend the Pollak Black Plastic, 7-Pole RV-Style Trailer Connector, part # PK12706.

I checked the manufacturers specs and found that all of the Wells Cargo Tote trailers use 15 inch wheels and the bolt pattern is 5-bolt on 4.5, and is rated for 2990 lbs capacity. You said that you thought there was a brake mounting flange mounted behind the wheel. Even though brakes were not originally installed, many manufacturers installed the brake mounting flanges so that it would be easier to install brakes at a later date. I have attached a photo of an axle with the brake mounting flange attached. I have also linked you to our product page for hubs. The best way to make sure you purchase the right drum and hub is to remove the old hub and get the numbers from the bearings. If the numbers are unreadable, you can use a digital caliper to obtain the relevant dimensions from the spindle shown in the photo provided. After you have taken the measurements needed, you can match it to one of the hubs we offer. Chances are, your existing hub is a 10 by 2-1/4 inch and uses a L68149 inner and L44649 outer bearing, but verifying the numbers of the bearings or taking the measurements would remove doubt. You will also need the inside diameter of your existing grease seal, or the diameter of your spindle where the grease seal rides (see photo).

I have linked you to an FAQ article that explains everything needed when adding electric brakes to a trailer.

After you have determined what bearing numbers you have and the hub / drum size, you then need to get the brake assemblies. I have linked you to our product page that shows the electric brake assemblies available. Please use the menu on the left side of the page to find the right brakes for your trailer based on drum size and axle weight capacity.

I have linked you to more videos that explain the brake system and how they are installed.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L