Converting from Surge Brakes to Electric Brakes on Trailer

Question:

I currently have surge brakes with a drum that says 10.06 stamped on it. I would like to swap over to electric what size would I need?

asked by: Brad F

Expert Reply:

The 10.06 doesn't indicate anything in particular about your drum size or current brake assemblies. It could be a cast number or a date of some kind. The best way to find out which brakes you need is to know your axle capacity. If you aren't able to find that capacity or information on your axle, you could also measure your drum or the current brakes.

For example, your standard 3,500 lb axle will use 10" x 2-1/4" brakes that fit a 4 bolt brake flange pattern like the # AKEBRK-35-SA. You also want the brakes to match the capacity of the axle so you have the right amount of stopping power. In addition to new brakes you will also need the following:

-Trailer Wiring Junction Box - 7 Color Coded Terminals - ABS # 3375601101
-7-Way Molded Trailer Wire Connector, 4' Long # H20043
-10 Gauge Primary Wire # 10-1-1
-Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit with Built-In Battery Charger # 20400

The junction box and connector will add a 7-way to your trailer to use the electric brakes. The 10 gauge primary wire will be used to run wire back to the brake assemblies. You will also want to add a breakaway like the Hopkins listed above.

If your coupler isn't in bad shape you can lock it out permanently and save yourself the money and trouble of replacing it. You can drill through it and add a bolt so it won't compress, making it a standard coupler.

I have attached some installation videos below for your reference. I also attached links to all of our electric drum brakes that can be filtered by capacity, along with a link to our couplers if you would like to replace yours.