How to Determine the Correct Parts for Adding Brakes to a Trailer Axle

Question:

I have an OLD mid-1980s 18foot dual axle utility trailer with brakes on one axle. I have been considering adding brakes to my 2nd axle. It already has the square mounting flange for the brake backing plate to mount to. I was wondering if it would be as easy as bolting on the brakes and splicing in to my existing wiring harness? Or If I would run in to any complications power 4 brakes instead of 2? I have attached an old picture of the axles when I rebuilt it last year, hopefully it helps! Thanks for your time!

asked by: Dan K

Expert Reply:

You should have no problem putting electric brakes on the second axle of your dual axle utility trailer. You just need a few parts and you would be set.

The first thing you are going to need is a hub and drum assembly, in order to pick out the correct assembly to match your spindle you are going to need to remove your idler hubs and get the bearing numbers out of the hub. With that information we can pick out the correct hub and drum and from there the matching brake assembly.

Email me back with your bearing numbers and I will help you pick everything out.

I attached an FAQ article on adding electric brakes to a trailer that you might find informative as well.

To see how to wire in the second axle brakes check out the picture I attached as well as the FAQ article on trailer wiring.

expert reply by: Jameson C