Recommended Braking System for 2390 GWVR Trailer w/ 12 Inch Rims

Question:

What trailer brakes fit 12inch rims? Note that the dry weight of the trailer is 1,496 and GWVR is 2,390. My axle has the 4-hole flange on it, so it will be bolt on.

asked by: Steve

Expert Reply:

Unless the trailer you're speaking of is a boat trailer, electric drum brakes would be the simplest and most cost effective solution. For a 12 inch wheel, a 7 x 1-3.4 inch brake drum would be the most common solution. In order to make a recommendation for the right brake assembly, we'll need to pick the correct brake hub/drum, which means I'll need to know the reference numbers off your inner and outer wheel bearings. With that information, I can recommend compatible brake assemblies and go on from there.

A hydraulic drum brake system that's actuated by a surge coupler would be my recommendation for a boat trailer. You wouldn't want to use electric brakes on a boat trailer, as water and electricity don't work well together. Once again, to work up a system for you, I'll need some more information, including the wheel bearing numbers as well as the width and height dimensions of the trailer tongue.

There are also disc brake systems, and although their performance is superior to electric or hydraulic brakes, In my opinion the performance gain isn't worth the extra expense given that you have a pretty lightweight trailer.

I've linked you to some help articles that'll give you an overview of an electric and a hydraulic drum braking system. If you'll reply with the information I requested above, I'll be happy to help with some more specific recommendations.

expert reply by: Mike L