Parts Needed To Add Electric Drum Brakes To A Pontoon Trailer

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Question:

We are considering adding brakes to our pontoon trailer so it is safer to pull with our SUV. It is single axle trailer that currently has no brakes. I am leaning towards electric brakes but would like a professional opinion. Please let me know what information you need from me. Thank you Jeremy

asked by: Jeremy P

0

Expert Reply:

Hey Jeremy,

Typically with boat trailers the manufacturer will install hydraulic surge brakes because you don't have to worry about the water damaging wires like you would with electric brakes. That being said, if you use a heat shrink butt connector # DW05745-10 you'll be able to protect your electrical connections and shouldn't have a problem.

To add brakes you'll need to check the axle/spindle to see if you have a brake mounting flange. If you don't then you'll have to buy new axles that do have them. Next you'll need to check your bearing and grease seals for part numbers or measure the spindle at points B, C, and D on the diagram to determine the inner diameters for each component. We'll also need to know the axle capacity and wheel bolt pattern. Once we have this info we can find the right brake assemblies and hub/drum assemblies to fit the spindle as well as the wheels.

From there you'll need a breakaway battery and switch like the Brightway # 3802336 and a brake controller in the SUV to activate the brakes. I can help find the right brake controller if you can tell me the year/make/model of the vehicle. You'll also need to install a junction box and 7-way # 277-000141. You also need some 10AWG wire # 10-1-1 to make your connection between the brake assemblies and junction box.

When launching or recovering the boat you'll want to disconnect the trailer connector from the tow vehicle just as an extra precaution to prevent any damage to the electrical components of the trailer.

expert reply by: Kevin C

0

Spindle Measurement Guide
(click to enlarge)

Measuring For Wheel Bolt Pattern
(click to enlarge)

Jeremy P.

4/24/2024

Hi Kevin, The Axle has a 4-hole brake mounting flange on each end with a 2.8" bolt pattern. B= 1.72" C= 1.375" D= 1.06" The axle capacity is 3500 pounds. The wheel bolt pattern is 5 on 4.5". The SUV is a 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring. I was doing a bit of reading and if possible, I would like a controller with the ability to plug it in without splicing and one that has the ability to apply the trailer brakes manually from the driver's seat like in a pickup truck. Thank you Jeremy

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Kevin C.

4/24/2024

@JeremyP Hub/drums: Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly # AKHD-545-35-G-K or part # AKHD-545-35-G-EZ-K if you have easy lube spindles. You'll still want to pick up a tub of marine grease # L74FR and lube up the spindle and pack your bearings as well. These are galvanized to help prevent corrosion since you'll be in and out of water. You'll need two assemblies per axle. Brake Assemblies: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes # AKEBRK-35-SA. These are self-adjusting brakes so once you have them initially bedded you won't have to get under the trailer and adjust them again. This will come with two assemblies, left and right, so you'll only need one kit per axle. Brake Controller: If your Ascent has a factory tow package you'll be able to use an adapter to plug in your brake controller without having to splice into the vehicle wiring. If this is the case for you then I recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller # RED24FR along with the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter # 3062-P. This brake controller has the smallest footprint on the market and will provide you with an easy to use dial that you can also press in to manually activate the brakes. If you don't have the tow package then I still recommend the Redarc Liberty but you'll have to get the universal wire harness # RED69FR and splice into your factory wiring. If you have to go this route you'll also need a 30 amp circuit breaker # 331-CBK30-EB for the black power wire you'll run to the battery.

Helpful Links

tv-review-etrailer-hub-and-drum-assembly-akhd-545-35-g-k.aspx

tv-review-redarc-tow-pro-liberty-trailer-brake-controller-red24fr.aspx

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Jeremy P.

4/24/2024

@KevinC Thank you, order placed. Jeremy

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Jeremy P.

4/30/2024

@KevinC is the black plastic end on the 3062-P wiring harness supposed to plug into the black plastic end on the RedArc Brake Controller? The end on the wire looks to be about half the size or less than it needs to be.

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See All (5) Replies to Jeremy P. ∨

Answer 1

Traditionally, trailer manufacturers did not use electric brakes on boat trailers because the brake magnet wiring and trailer wiring did not always have the best insulation or water protection. These days, more and more manufacturers are using…

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Answer 2

Hey Jeremy, Typically with boat trailers the manufacturer will install hydraulic surge brakes because you don't have to worry about the water damaging wires like you would with electric brakes. That being said, if you use a heat shrink butt…

view full answer...

Answer 3

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 4

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 5

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only…

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Answer 6

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 7

The Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty #RED24FR is the way to go over the Elite #RED44FR as you get the nicer functions of the Elite at a lower price. The Elite has the ability to be the more preferred proportional style of controller as well as a time-delayed…

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Answer 8

For your 2024 Nissan Frontier I recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller #RED24FR. I like the Liberty because it is simple, reliable, and looks great in any vehicle. The main unit installs behind the dash, so only the control knob will…

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Answer 9

I recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller #RED24FR for your 2023 Toyota Tacoma with the factory tow package. You will be able to connect the wiring using the Redarc Adapter #RED99FR directly to the factory connector. We also have the…

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Answer 10

Yes, when installing the knob for the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller item #RED24FR you will want to remove any extra material behind the insert. I am happy the video was able to help you out. I have linked a couple of pictures from the…

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Answer 11

If you have a vehicle specific wiring harness for a brake controller then that would indicate that you have a factory tow package and subsequently would already have a 7-way at the back of your vehicle. The universal 7-way connector #ETBC7 is meant…

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Answer 12

Hey Donald, the best Blue Ox weight distribution would be the pat #BXW0550 as it has a perfect tongue weight range for your 450 lb tongue weight trailer.

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Parts Needed To Add Electric Drum Brakes To A Pontoon Trailer

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