Parts Needed to Add Electric Brakes to Trailer

Question:

I am searching your web site and......I am lost! I am trying to upgrade my 3500lb trailer with electric brakes and I do have a 2010 Ford Explorer Sport trac and the amount of items available is overwhelming.I do have the two left and right electric drum. assembly and I know that I will need a brake controller there are so many a battery, Circuit beakers,,,,,what else....I dont know. Could you please send me a list of all the item needed with part numbers and if the came with detailed installation instructions. Thank you in advanc. Cheers Nick

asked by: Nick

Expert Reply:

It can certainly be overwhelming with all of the options. I'm happy to help you find the parts you need. It sounds like you don't have brakes on your trailer so you want all of the parts to add them to the trailer as well as the parts needed for your 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac.

If you meant you already have brakes on the trailer when you said you have the left and right electric drum assembly you can ignore the information after the brake controller. I wasn't sure if that meant you already purchased hubs, or brakes assemblies, or if the brakes were already installed so I covered everything.

We can start off with your vehicle. I'm assuming you already have a 4-way to power the signal lights on your trailer. To upgrade to a 7-way you will need the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7. This kit comes with the adapter, wiring, breakers, and everything else required to add a 7-way.

For a brake controller I recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty # RED24FR. This is incredibly reliable, easy to use, and won't take up space in your vehicle. The main unit installs behind the dash so only the control knob will be visible. You will also need the # RED69FR for installation. This will be everything you need on the vehicle side to tow a trailer with electric brakes.

For your trailer, you want to start off by making sure you have brake flanges on the axle. This is the square part with 4 bolt holes you can see on the # TRU74FR. If you don't have a brake flange you will need to either swap out the spindle with one like this or have the Brake Mounting Flange for 2-3/8" Round Axle # 4-35 welded on. This is assuming you have a 2-3/8" round axle which is standard for the 3,500 lb capacity. This kind of work should be performed at an axle shop.

The other parts you will need are the brake assemblies, hub and drum assemblies, trailer wiring, and a breakaway kit. I recommend the following:

-etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting # AKEBRK-35-SA

-Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3.5K Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K

-Hopkins 7-Way RV Style Connector with Molded Cable - 8' Long # H20046

-Pollak 10-Terminal Junction Box # PK52248 and Ring Terminals # 44-5310A (These are optional)

-Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit with Built-In Battery Charger # 20400

The hub and drum assembly is assuming you have a 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern which is the most common for this axle size. If you have a different bolt pattern feel free to comment below and I will find the right hub for you.

These parts are going to come with instructions but I have also attached installation videos below so you can follow along with those. In addition to the videos I have attached help articles on 7-way trailer wiring and adding electric brakes along with some wiring diagrams for your reference.