Recommended Parts Needed To Add Electric Brakes To Utility Trailer

Question:

I have utility trailer 5foot x 10foot with a 3500lb axle and no brakes. The leaf springs are 58 inch on center and the spindle lenght is approx 72. I want to put electric brakes on and would prefer to simply replace the entire axle with brake sys. Brakes are desired due to vehicle limits of 2700 lbs. with brakes and 1000 lbs. without. I was looking at your product 35545E-ST-89, but it is too long. Any suggestions? I would also need the electrical controller for the car and a 7 pin connector harness.

asked by: Randy C

Expert Reply:

The axles we offer that have a span of 72 inches have either 2,000 lb or 2,200 lb weight capacities. None of our 72 inch axles have the brake mounting flange attached, and all of them have idler hubs, meaning there are no provisions for brakes as there are no drums. To convert the system you currently have and use a 72 inch axle could prove to be quite an extensive task.

I recommend going with an axle-less system like part # A35RD545E. This system replaces the axle and leaf spring system on your trailer, and with the 4 inch drop spindle allows for lower deck height. This system comes with the 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern electric brake hubs. The EZ Lube spindles makes it simple to grease the bearings without having to remove the hub.

If tires and wheels are needed for your trailer we have several you can choose from. I have attached a link to our product page for tire/wheel combos that have 5 on 4-1/2 bolt patters you can check out.

Next you will need wiring for your trailer brakes. I have attached a helpful article that has a trailer wiring diagram, and shows how the routing of the wiring needs to be done.

I recommend the Hopkins 7-Way Molded Connector, part # H20044. This has the 7-blade connector for the trailer and has an 6 ft cable. To run the brake wire from the connector cable to the brakes on your trailer I recommend part # 10-1-1. This is a 10 gauge primary wire that can be ordered by the foot.

The butt connectors for wiring I recommend are part # 05732-2, and the ring terminals I recommend for ground wires is part # DW05705-1.

The brake controller I recommend is the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller, part # 90885. This is our most popular controller because it is easy to install and use. I have attached links to some helpful articles that explain brake controllers and installations.

Many vehicles have a connector under the dash that allows you to plug the brake controller in. We have adapters available for many different vehicles, so if you want to let me know what the year make and model of your vehicle is, I can make a recommendation for an adapter if available. If you would like to let me know if there is any connectors at the rear of your vehicle as well, that will help in making a recommendation for a 7-way connector.