Replacing Suspension And Wiring On A 2006 Top Brand 7x18 Car Hauler Trailer

Question:

Hi, Just bought a 2006 Top Brand 7x18 Car hauler trailer and want to refurb all of the suspension. The electrical is trashed, so needs new lights and brakes. I was looking at this axle for rear. https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Axles/etrailer/e43SR.html Can you advise what do I need to connect these brakes to a 7 pin truck connector? Do I need a separate brake actuator? The trailer has A-frame hitch, and doesnt look like it had previous separate actuator. Also, I measured the springs and I thought I measured 25 1/2 with the random pivot at 7 3/4.. is it more likely that I have 25 1/8 springs for 2500lb axle Were measured while still bolted on trailer

asked by: Dan L

Expert Reply:

Hey Dan I can definitely help with all of this. The # e43SR Trailer Axle that you were looking at comes with electric drum brake assemblies. In order to connect this to the 7-pin connector on your truck you will simply need a 7-way trailer harness such as part # 50-67-106. This comes with a 7-way plug with 18' of jacketed 7-wire. Since the electrical is trashed, you can use this to completely replace the trailer wiring for the brakes and lights.

No separate actuator will be needed since the bakes are electrically actuated. Wiring the trailer with the 7-way harness will be the main thing. You will need to add an electric brake controller such as the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 to your truck if you don't have one already. You will also need to equip the trailer with an Emergency Breakaway Kit such as the Hopkins Engager # 20400. I have included a link below that will show you our guide on adding electric brakes to a trailer, along with a list of all of the required parts.

As far as a 25-1/8" leaf spring to go with the # e43SR axle, I recommend the 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 3,500-lb Trailer Axles # e54SR. You may also want to get some new U-bolts # CE23002 to go with it. For a 7-3/4" long equalizer you can use part # A2252CB-GALV.

If you are looking for a new shackle and bolt kit, I highly recommend the MORryde wet bolt kits. I like these because they have 1/2" thick heavy-duty shackles, wet bolts and bronze bushings. So not only will it help to smooth out the suspension and reduce noise, but it will last significantly longer than the stock suspension components. There are a few different shackle sizes available, and you will want to make sure they match the stock shackle size. Shackle links are measured from center hole to center hole and we have the following options.

3-1/8" Shackles # MR76ZR
2-1/4" Shackles # MR46ZR

Also, I am not sure if you have any specific lights in mind yet. We have a ton of options for new lights. I have included a link below that will show you our full selection of tail lights. If you are looking for something specific just let me know.

That should cover about everything. You can feel free to reach out to me directly if you have further questions.