Parts Needed to Add Electric Drum Brakes to a Little Guy Silver Shadow Trailer with 2k Axle

Question:

I have a 2012 5x10 Little Guy Silver Shadow trailer. It came with a 2k lb al-ko axle that was defective. The factory shipped me a replacement 2k pound axle from Dexter without trailer brakes. It looks like there might be some sort of square back plate on the axle already to accept drum brakes but im not sure. Is this axle able to accept electric brakes? What would ALL the components I would need to retrofit? I did not have trailer brakes before so I would have to add a brake controller on the vehicle end. Also, I believe the current production of Little Guy silver shadows have an option for electric brakes with this Dexter axle.

asked by: Chris D

Helpful Expert Reply:

It sounds like your new axle does have a brake mounting flange, which is what that square piece you are describing likely is. I have included a picture that shows what an axle with brake mounting flanges looks like.

For a square brake mounting flange and 2000 pound axle you would use 7 x 1-1/4 inch brakes. You can use # 23-47 for the left side and # 23-48 for the right side.

You will also need hub and drum assemblies to replace regular idler hubs. For the correct hub and drum assemblies I would need to know the inner and outer bearing numbers stamped into the metal of the bearings. I would also need to know the bolt pattern of the wheels. I have linked a help article that shows how to measure for bolt pattern.

The trailer will then need to be set up with the correct wiring to power the brake magnets. This would mean adding a 7-Way trailer connector unless it already has one. You can use # H20046 to add a 7-Way. I have linked a video showing an installation for you. Please note there is a table on the product page for this 7-Way that shows the functions of the wire colors.

Then you will need to add a brake controller and a 7-Way on the tow vehicle (unless it already has one). To make the best recommendation for wiring and a brake controller I would need to know the year, make, and model of the tow vehicle and if it has any kind of trailer connector already.

I have also included a link to a helpful article that covers everything needed to add electric drum brakes to a trailer.