What is Needed to Add Electric Brakes to Utility Trailer?  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

In order to add electric brakes to your trailer you are going to need to switch to a hub and drum assembly. For 3,500 lb axles with 15 inch wheels you may be able to use # AKHD-545-35-K but you are going to need to make sure you have a brake mounting flange. I've added a link to our page with flanges so you can find the correct one. The hub and drum assembly I've mentioned uses inner bearing L68149 and outer bearing L44649 and is compatible with # 84 spindles. Your current hub will need to match those in order to use this assembly.

You are also going to need a breakaway kit such as # 20400, the correct wiring for your vehicle in order to add a 7-way to use the brakes, a brake controller, and finally the electric brake assemblies themselves. I have added a link to our page with our electric drum brake assemblies as well as a help article for you which goes into detail about the things needed to add electric brakes, and if you let me know what hub and drum kit you'll be getting as well as if your vehicle is wired for a brake controller I'll be happy to help you find everything you need.

expert reply by: Kyle S

1

Art

1/31/2018

I finally had a chance to look at the bearing number. L44649 I'm finally ready to order: My truck already has a 7 way and 4 way plug connected to a factory in-dash brake controller. The only item I think I need that wasn't mention, is the following upgrade kit to change out the current trailer's flat plug to a 7 way for bring brake feed and battery power to the trailer. #ET7WK Trailer Wiring 7-way upgrade kit this is the remainder of the list that you created for me: #AKHD-545-35-K Hub & Drum Assyembly #AKEBRK-35-SA 10" Electric trailer Brake Kit #BRKH10B Mounting Hardware #20400 Hopkins Brake Away Kit Thanks for all your help.

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Kyle S.

1/31/2018

Since you have a 3,500 lb axle with an L44649 bearing the # AKHD-545-35-K hub and drum assembly I previously mentioned will work for you so long as you have a # 84 spindle and your wheels have a 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern. I will link a help article for you on determining bolt pattern so you can be sure it will work. The correct electric brake assemblies for this are the Electric Trailer Brake Kit # AKEBRK-35-SA which are 10", self-adjusting assemblies and designed for 3,500 lb axles; they will only require mounting hardware # BRKH10B to install. As I mentioned, you are also going to need a breakaway kit such as the Hopkins # 20400 with your electric brakes. The only other parts you need are going to be the wiring and brake controller. If your tow vehicle does not have a trailer towing package of any kind you will need to start with a 4-way and I can recommend the correct part if you get back to me with the year, make, and model of your tow vehicle. You are also going to need the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7 should your tow vehicle not already be set up with wiring for a brake controller. This will give you all of the necessary parts needed to install a controller. As for the brake controller itself, I strongly recommend the Prodigy P3 # 90195; it is the most popular model we carry due to its effectiveness and ease of use. It will activate your trailer's brakes immediately in proportion to your tow vehicle's brakes and offers three different boost levels so you can adjust your braking power. The P3 levels automatically, has constant diagnostic checks, contains safeguards which defend your controller against shorts, and features an LCD display which is much easier to read than that of other controllers. This controller has been met with nearly universal praise; it has been reviewed by our customers more than 2,000 times and is averaging close to 5 out of 5 stars. It may also have a wiring harness available depending on your tow vehicle. I have added links to video reviews of these parts for you to take a look at.

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Kyle S.

2/5/2018

If you already have wiring for your vehicle but need to upgrade to a 7-way for your trailer then yes the # e99011 would be the correct part. That, along with hub and drum assembly # AKHD-545-35-K, Electric Trailer Brake Kit # AKEBRK-35-SA, mounting hardware # BRKH10B and breakaway kit # 20400 should complete your set up assuming you have a brake controller such as the Prodigy P3 # 90195.

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