How to Convert Trailers Air Brakes to Electric Brakes

Question:

I have a 2012 Ford super duty f250 I have a trailer that has air brakes Can the Air Brakes be converted to Electric Brakes?

asked by: Richard

Expert Reply:

The Hayes Air Utility Brake Control # HA100400C, which you reference, is designed for towing vehicles that have air brakes and trailers that have electric brakes. If you want to convert your trailer's air brakes to electric brakes you will want to remove the air brakes and then install the electric brakes from scratch.

You will need several items to add electric brakes to your trailer. Starting with the trailer you will need a hub and drum that matches the bearings and seal on your trailer spindle and your wheel bolt pattern. The only way to be sure is to check the bearing part numbers and seal part number.

You will then need left and right brake assemblies. We will need to know kind of axle you currently have on your trailer and its weight capacity, and you will need to make sure the brake mounting flange bolt pattern is compatible.

To finish the trailer you will need wiring and a 7-Way connector. 10 gauge wire, # 10-2-1 is recommended and you will attach one wire from the brake magnet to the white wire for ground and the other to the black wire for power from the 7-Way connector. The 7-Way Round RV Style Trailer Side Connector, # A7WCB will then need to be wired at the front of the trailer. We have an article that details wiring this connector for you to review, see link.

We have a video installation showing installation of trailer brakes on a single axle trailer that should be a great resource for you, see link.

Next we have to get your 2012 Ford F-250 ready to connect to your OEM 7-Way trailer connector and to activate the trailer brakes. You will need a brake controller and a wiring kit to complete the installation.

The Prodigy P2 Brake Controller, # 90885, would be a good choice for your truck and trailer. This is a proportional controller that activates the trailer brakes in unison with the speed in which the vehicle is stopping. There will be a plug under the dash for installing a brake controller using the # 3034-P harness.

If your pickup has a 4-pole, you will still have the connector under the dash, and you will need wiring harness # 37185 that will connect to the wires on the frame rail, see link.

If you let me know the information about your axle and bearings and seal, I can help you select the braking assemblies and hub and drums you will need.