What is Needed To Install Electric Brakes On A Master Tow Dolly That Doesnt Have Brakes

Question

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

1

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.

expert reply by: Chris B

1

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Answer 1

In order to add brakes to a Mastertow 80THD you will need the following items: brake mounting flange, brake assembly, hub and drum assembly, trailer wiring, breakaway kit, and a brake controller. Brake Mounting Flange: Already Equipped Brake…

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Answer 2

The Entegra Coach Vision is built on a Ford F-53 Chassis which means there should be a pre-wired brake controller port under the dash. The exact location of this port can vary but most likely it will be on the left side of the steering column support…

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Answer 3

The most common type of brakes found on tow dollys are electric drum brakes. This is because electric brakes are typically the more cost effective option over hydraulic brakes and electric brake systems typically require less maintenance than…

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Answer 4

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Answer 5

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 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

Trailer wheel bearings are specific to the spindle that is installed on the axle that is on your trailer. You will need to safely support the trailer, remove the wheel and tire, remove the grease cap, remove the cotter pin and washer that secures the…

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Answer 8

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Answer 9

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 10

To determine the size of the hub assembly you need to purchase you have to determine which bearings are in the old assembly. If the old assembly has L44649 inner bearings, you would use the hub you chose #8-258-5UC1. If the inner bearings are marked…

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Answer 11

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Answer 12

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the vehicle…

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What is Needed To Install Electric Brakes On A Master Tow Dolly That Doesnt Have Brakes

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