Adding Electric Drum Brakes to a Scamp Camper Trailer

Updated 07/22/2015 | Published 07/21/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Left Hand - 6,000 lbs

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Deka Jacketed 2 Wire, 10 Gauge, Brake Wire - per Foot

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Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 7" - Left Hand - - 2,000-lbs to 2,200-lbs

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Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 7" - Right Hand - 2,000-lbs to 2,200-lbs

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Trailer Wiring Junction Box

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$33.80

Lock Washer for Brake Mounting Bolt for 7" and 10" Brake Assemblies - 7/16" Diameter

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Mounting Nut for 7" and 10" Brake Assemblies - 7/16" Diameter - Zinc Plated

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$1.93

Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 2,000-lb E-Z Lube Axles - 7" Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2

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Adjuster Plugs for 7", 10", and 12" Brake Assemblies - Qty 4

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Hopkins Deluxe Trailer Wiring Installation Kit

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Question:

I would like to add trailer brakes to my 13foot Scamp Camper. It has a torsion axle rated to 2200 lbs, and has the brake flange installed. The axle has the EZ Lube feature and the bearings are L44649 both inner and outer. The wheels are 13inch 5 hole pattern. I originally was thinking of hydraulic disc brakes, but the cheaper cost and installation of electric drum brakes now look like a better idea. It would be to much work to replace the existing hitch coupler with a hydraulic brake actuator coupler. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks!

asked by: Nathan

Helpful Expert Reply:

Setting up a trailer with electric drum brakes is going to be the easier and most cost effective way of adding brakes to your Scamp trailer. Since the trailer already has the mounting flanges that will limit the amount of parts and work that will need to be done.

Starting with the hub and drum assemblies since your bearings are both L44649 and you have an EZ Lube style axle you would need # 8-257-5UC3-EZ with the 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern. They are designed for 2,000 pound axles but will also fit your 2,200 pound torsion axle.

The brake assemblies that will fit are # 23-47 for the left and # 23-48 for the right. They use the 4 bolt mounting pattern to attach to the flange. You will also need 8 nuts, # 6-17, sold in quantities of 1, 8 lock washers # 5-8, also sold in quantities of 1, and some adjuster hole plugs # BP10-220, which come in a 4-pack.

The trailer will need to be wired with a 7-Way connector such as # H20042. Be sure to follow the color code/function chart on the product page when wiring it up. Please note that there is no standard for wire color and function. Before removing the old trailer connector verify what each wire does and label each one. This will make installation much easier. I also recommend a wiring kit # HM51020 which has various connectors and a wire stripping tool and adding a junction box, such as # 38656 will provide a clean, professional look. For extra wire you can use duplex wire # 10-2-1 sold by the foot.

That takes care of the trailer. All you will need now is a 7-Way connector on the vehicle and a brake controller. I would need to know the year, make, and model of the vehicle and if it has any sort of trailer connector currently. I have included a link to our help article that covers adding electric drum brakes to a trailer.