Recommended Brake Upgrade For Horse Trailer w/ 7,000lb Axles

Updated 12/30/2014 | Published 12/29/2014

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes w/ Dust Shields - Self-Adjusting - 12-1/4" - Left/Right - 12K

(375)

$432.66

Hydrastar Disc Brake Kit w/ Actuator for Tandem Axle Trailers - 13" Hub/Rotor - 8 on 6-1/2 - 7K

(77)

$2245.55

Question:

Do these backing plates have the same bolt pattern as the 5 bolt backing plates on the 7000 pound axles? Part #AKEBRK-6, for instance. We have a large horse trailer, with 12x2inch brakes on it we want to convert larger brakes. Thank you.

asked by: Bob C

Expert Reply:

The etraile Trailer Brake Assembly you referenced, part # AKEBRK-12, is intended for 12K-rated axles. This brake assembly uses a 7-bolt mounting pattern to attach to the axle brake flanges. This mounting bolt pattern is not compatible with the other brake assembly you referenced which uses a 5-bolt pattern for installation.

The only option for better brakes that will fit your axle would be converting it to Electric over hydraulic (EOH) brakes using the disc brake kit # HSE7K-T1 which includes all of the brake lines, fittings, and the actuator needed for the conversion. This is designed for tandem axle trailers which your horse trailer should have, but if you have something different just let me know.

Lastly you'll need to make sure that your trailer brake controller is compatible with EOH brakes, as they aren't all compatible. If yours isn't compatible then I recommend going with the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 which will work perfectly with this style of brakes.

expert reply by: Adam R