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.
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…
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…
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 Steve, Yes, you can swap out your Kodiak 13inch Hub and Rotor - 8 on 6-1/2 - Dacromet - 9/16inch Bolts with the DeeMaxx 13" Hub-and-Rotor Assembly - 8 on 6-1/2 - Maxx Coating - 8,000 lbs - 9/16" Studs #DE42YR. What kind of trailer is…
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…
Hey Eric, we don't have a way to look up what your trailer has actuator wise by the VIN as there just isn't a database for that like there is for cars. Do you know what brand of actuator you have? Is it drum or disc brakes? If you could email…
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 John, since you have a UFP A-60 surge coupler we have just the inner member with the part #DX39FR or if you want the entire replacement coupler/actuator you'd instead want the part #DX63FR. Both of these are designed for 2 inch hitch balls as…
Hi Mike; can you send me your axle information? Is it a 3,500 lb axle? If I had to guess it is likely a 3,500 lb axle on there right now. Assuming you have the standard 3,500 lb bearing combination you can use the DeeMaxx Disc Brake Kit #DE66YR. This…
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…
etrailer.com is Your Ultimate Destination for All Your Trailer Brake Needs
Discover a wide range of products designed to elevate your towing experience. Whether you're in need of disc brakes, electric drum brakes, or brake actuators, we have the perfect solutions to ensure superior safety and control on the road.At etrailer.com, we also offer reliable brake lines and high-quality brake pads, providing exceptional stopping power and durability. Take full control of your trailer's braking performance with our advanced brake controllers, allowing you to customize your settings for a personalized and responsive towing experience. Upgrade your trailer's braking system today and embark on a safer journey. 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?
You’ve got three main types: electric drum brakes, hydraulic drum brakes, and disc brakes. Electric drum brakes work with a signal from a brake controller in your vehicle, while hydraulic drum brakes use brake fluid pressure to do the job. Disc brakes, on the other hand, offer stronger stopping power and are available in both electric-over-hydraulic and hydraulic setups.
How do I choose between drum and disc brakes?
It really depends on what you need. Disc brakes give you better performance and require less maintenance, but they’re more expensive upfront. Drum brakes are more budget-friendly and work well for most trailers. If you’re towing heavier loads or prefer easier upkeep, disc brakes might be the way to go.
I want to add electric brakes to my trailer. How do I do that?
You’ll need a few things to get started: brake mounting flanges on your axle, compatible hub-and-drum assemblies, electric brake assemblies, and wiring to connect everything to the brake controller. Make sure all the parts match your trailer’s specs for a smooth install.
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 is a brake controller, and do I need one?
If your trailer has electric brakes or electric-over-hydraulic brakes, yes, you definitely need one. The brake controller is an in-cab device that makes sure your trailer’s brakes sync with your vehicle’s, which is crucial for safe stopping.
Can I use electric brakes on my boat trailer?
You technically can, but it’s not ideal. Water and electricity don’t mix well, and the brakes could corrode over time. Hydraulic brakes are a much better option for boat trailers since they’re more water-friendly.
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?
Bleeding gets rid of air in the brake lines so the brakes work properly. Start by filling the master cylinder with brake fluid. Then, use a bleeder tool or manually compress the actuator to push fluid through the lines. Open the bleeder valves at each brake until you see fluid coming out without any air bubbles.