To determine the size of the brake assemblies you need you have to measure the depth and width of the hub drum on the axle like what you see in the picture I attached. The most common size is 2-1/4 inch wide like the #T4071600-500 that you…
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.
Hello Jerry, cool car! I see you were looking at the DeeMaxx Disc Brake Kit #DE42FR. This is a disc brake kit intended for a trailer with a standard 3,500 lb axle. It has slip-on rotors that will work with an idler hub for a 3,500 lb axle like part…
It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…
Hello Ziggy, Good question. The DeeMaxx Alpha G1600 Plug and Play Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator #DE75KR works with 2017–2022 GM trucks that have built-in brake controllers, like the Silverado and Sierra. It’s built to “trick” the truck into…
Hello Eric, The #K2R35DKG is Dacromet-coated, and the calipers are treated with KodaGuard. The #K2R35DS, on the other hand, is made entirely of stainless steel, hence the higher price. If you're in an area where road salt is common or if…
I currently have three diffrent self-adjusting assemblies for your boat trailer with 10" x 2-1/4" electric drum brakes which are attached for you below. eTrailer Electric Trailer Brake Kit part #AKEBRK-35-SA (3,500 Axles) Dexter…
Hey Eric, Using only 4 of the 5 mounting holes on #DE28YR is not recommended when installing new brakes. There is a chance of failure that could cause a lot more problems, it is best to install them exactly how they should be. With that said by far…
I sure can Bob and thanks for the information! Since you have a Lippert 3,500 lbs axle you'll be able to use the Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3.5K Axles item #AKHD-545-35-EZ-K, you were looking at. These have a 5 on 4-1/2 lug nut…
Hey David! The DeeMaxx Disc Brake Kit w/ Actuator for Tandem Axle Trailers item #DE46AR will work so long as you have idler hubs with a 8 on 6-1/2 lug nut pattern like item #DE46VR. These are slip on rotors so you're definitely going to need some…
Hello Troy, thanks for reaching out. It may be possible to add brakes to your axle, as long as your axle is equipped with a brake flange. It will look like a square plate with four holes at the base of the spindle. If no brake flange is present, then…
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…
etrailer.com is Your Ultimate Destination for All Your Trailer Brake Needs
Stay in control of your trailer with reliable braking systems built for performance, safety, and ease of use. Whether you need disc brakes, electric trailer brakes, or a new brake actuator, we’ve got the parts to match your trailer’s setup. Add a brake controller to your tow vehicle for smooth stopping, and browse our complete kits, pads, calipers, and lines for quick repairs or upgrades. From basic drum setups to full electric brakes for trailer conversions, we’ll help you find the right fit for your load and towing style.With over 75 years of assisting our neighbors and customers, over 1 million photos and videos taken to make sure you’re getting exactly what you need, and over 35 thousand installations completed, we’ve got the product know-how and experience to help you make the right choices for the job at hand.
What kinds of trailer brakes are there?
The three main types are electric drum brakes, hydraulic drum brakes, and disc brakes. Electric trailer brakes use a brake controller to activate when your vehicle slows down. Disc brakes offer better stopping power, while hydraulic drum brakes are a great fit for boat trailers.
How do I choose between drum and disc brakes?
Disc brakes offer better performance and less maintenance but cost more. Drum brakes are more budget-friendly and suitable for most trailers. If you’re towing heavy loads or want smoother stops, go with disc brakes.
I want to add electric brakes to my trailer. How do I do that?
You’ll need electric brakes for trailer installation including mounting flanges, hub-and-drum assemblies, electric brake assemblies, and wiring. A brake controller in your vehicle is also required to sync braking performance.
Can I have my trailer brake system professionally installed?
Yes—you don’t have to tackle it alone. Installing trailer brakes, actuators, or controllers can get complex, especially if you're dealing with wiring, hydraulic systems, or brake upgrades. If you'd rather leave it to the pros, use our Local Installer Locator Tool to find a trusted service provider near you. Whether you're adding electric brakes to a trailer or upgrading to disc brakes, we’ll help connect you with experienced installers who know exactly how to get it done right.
What does a brake controller do?
A brake controller sends a signal to your trailer’s electric or electric-over-hydraulic brakes. This synchronizes stopping power between your tow vehicle and trailer—especially critical for heavy loads.
Can I use electric brakes on my boat trailer?
You can, but it’s not recommended. Water can damage the electrical components over time. Hydraulic brakes are better suited for marine use because they’re more water-resistant.
What kind of maintenance do trailer brakes need?
You’ll want to regularly inspect and adjust the brakes, check for wear on the pads or shoes, and make sure all the connections are tight and free of rust. If you have hydraulic brakes, check the brake fluid levels and bleed the system if needed. For more detailed instructions on bleeding your surge breaks, visit our FAQ page
How do I bleed the hydraulic brakes on my trailer?
Fill the master cylinder with brake fluid. Manually activate the actuator or use a bleeding tool to push fluid through the lines. Open each bleeder valve until fluid flows with no air bubbles.
