Testing Electric Drum Brakes & Choosing Replacement Brakes & Brake Controller for Flagstaff Pop-Up

Updated 12/07/2015 | Published 12/05/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left Hand - 3,500 lbs

(368)

$66.56

Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Right Hand - 3,500 lbs

(374)

$55.78

Question:

I have a 2008 flagstaff 228d pop up camper. It came with electric brakes. I plan to buy a controller for the brakes but first was going to check the brake shoes and magnet but I dont know which brakes or even what size my pop up came with. Do you have any idea or do you know where I can look on the drums to tell what brakes I have so I know which parts I need? Thanks!

asked by: Mark

Expert Reply:

We can help you with checking or replacing your pop-up's brakes and also with selecting a trailer brake controller.

I have linked an article that covers the process for testing electric trailer brakes. Please let me point out that often replacing specific brake parts carries almost the same cost as buying a whole new replacement. Just keep in mind that your time to do the repairs may make just replacing them easier overall. If you do need to change out your magnets you can use the linked page that displays our replacement brake magnets.

It's easy to measure your existing brake drums to confirm their diameter and width; this will allow you to select correct replacement brakes. Please refer to the linked photo. To choose your new brakes you will need to match their size, axle rating and mounting bolt pattern. Your axle should have a sticker or plate that shows its weight rating. You can then use the linked page to review all of our brakes. Just click on the filters for axle rating, drum size and either manual-adjust or self-adjust types. For example, if you have a 3500-lb axle, 10 x 2-1/4-inch drums and a 4-bolt brake flange then you can use left-hand brake # AKEBRK-35L-SA and right-hand brake # AKEBRK-35R-SA.

For a brake controller I recommend the Prodigy P2 # 90885. This proven and reliable controller is easy to set up and use and it includes a number of built-in diagnostic features to make troubleshooting easier. Our customers rate this unit very highly. It is a proportional type controller that will slow your trailer at the same rate as your Sequoia.

Please note that new brakes will take some time to settle in. A few hard braking attempts is a good way to adjust the brakes. Find a safe place where you can have the truck and trailer on a fairly smooth and level surface, slowly accelerate to no more than 20 mph, then step on the brakes. You may need to repeat this process several times.

expert reply by: Adam R