What is Needed To Install Electric Brakes On A Master Tow Dolly That Doesnt Have Brakes
Question:
My Master Tow dolly has no brakes on it. Do you have a brake kit that I can get to install brakes on it? All I have see is conversion kits for drum to disc conversion. Thank you
asked by: Russell J
Helpful Expert Reply:
Before installing brakes on your trailer, you will need to know some basic information about your existing trailer. The first thing you will need to find out is if your tow dolly has a brake mounting flange mounted on your existing axle. The brake mounting flange provides a secure attachment point for a brake assembly. If you have a mounting flange, send me a picture or dimensions. See diagram to the right. This will help determine your existing brake mounting flange pattern.
If you don't have a brake mounting flange, ordering a new axle complete with electric brake assemblies and drums may actually cost less than buying separate parts. However, to order a complete axle you will need to know the axle capacity, wheel bolt pattern, spindle type (whether it is drop or straight) and type of electric brake assembly. You will also need to know the distance between your trailer's springs, center to center, and between the hub faces.
A second option is to buy the brake mounting flanges and have a qualified welder weld them to the axle.
Before a hub and drum assembly can be installed, you will need to know the bearing numbers and wheel bolt pattern of your existing hubs so that the new hubs will match up with your existing wheels. Currently, our most popular setup for a 3,500-lb axle will use # L68149 inner bearings (dimension C) and # L44649 outer bearings (dimension D). The importance of knowing both of these bearing numbers is to identify which spindle and hub is needed. On this example it is a 10-inch hub-and-drum with a 5 on 4-1/2 inch wheel bolt pattern. You may need to check the clearance and make sure there is room if you replace the hub and to re-install the wheels.
Running wiring such as # 10-2-1 from the front of your trailer to your trailer brakes is essential when adding electric brakes. A trailer wiring kit # HM51020 is perfect because it contains a multipurpose wire tool; 12-V LED circuit tester; terminal cleaner, connectors; ring and fork terminals; zip-ties; ground screws; and more.
You may need to replace the connector at the front of your trailer with a 7-way like # H20044 which includes a connection to carry power to the brakes. Dielectric grease # 11755 will keep moisture out of the electrical connections on your wiring and to inhibit corrosion.
Lastly, to operate your electric brakes, you will need to set up your tow vehicle with a brake controller and the proper wiring. If you can provide me the year, make and model of your tow vehicle I am more than happy to provide a brake controller and wiring recommendation. In the meantime, see the link attached to assist in choosing the right brake controller and wiring for you.
One of our most popular brake controllers we offer is the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885.
Please take a look at all the FAQ's I included.
Products Referenced in This Question
Deka Jacketed 2 Wire, 10 Gauge, Brake Wire - per Foot
- Wiring
- Wire
- Jacketed Wire
- 2 Wire
- 10 Gauge
- Deka
more information >
Dielectric Grease for Electrical Connectors, 2 oz.
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Wiring
- Wiring
- Dielectric Grease
- LubriMatic
more information >
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
7-Way Molded Trailer Wire Connector, 6' Long
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Trailer End Connector
- 6 - 10 Feet Long
- Plug and Lead
- 7 Round - Blade
- Hopkins
more information >
Hopkins Deluxe Trailer Wiring Installation Kit
- Wiring
- Tools for Wiring
- Wiring Kits
- Installation Kit
- Hopkins
more information >
Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - L44649
- Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
- Bearings
- Standard Bearings
- 1.063 Inch I.D.
- Bearing L44649
- Race L44610
- 3500 lbs Axle
- etrailer
more information >
Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - L68149
- Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
- Bearings
- Standard Bearings
- 1.378 Inch I.D.
- Bearing L68149
- Race L68111
- 3500 lbs Axle
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 10" - Right Hand - 3,500 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- RH
- 3500 lbs
- Brake Assembly
- Manual Adjust
- 10 x 2-1/4 Inch Drum
- Dexter
more information >
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