Parts Needed to Add Electric Drum Brakes to Trailer with Idler Hubs

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You can add electric brakes to your trailer by selecting a hub/drum assembly that uses the same bearing part numbers, weight rating and wheel bolt pattern as your current idler hubs. It is possible to take measurements of the spindle at the points where the bearings ride (see photo please) but this requires a precision caliper like # PTW80157. It is much easier to pull your hub, remove it's bearings and note those part numbers. The brakes and hubs you use must match your axle capacity, which should be noted in a sticker or plate right on the axle.

You'll also need to have brake flanges welded on to your trailer spindles by a qualified professional welder who has the correct equipment, OR you can replace the entire axle assembly with a new one that includes the flanges and electric drum brakes all together in a kit, such as Dexter # 35545E-ST-EZ-89 for example. This kit consists of a 3500-lb-rated 89-inch axle with 5-on-4-1/2 hubs and 10 x 2-1/4-inch electric drum brakes. All axle kits with electric drum brakes are linked for you.

I also included a helpful article that covers all of the things you need to know to make this modification to your trailer.

Once you have your brakes installed you'll need a brake controller, of course, and the easiest recommendation is the reliable and highly-rated Prodigy P2 # 90885. This unit has proven itself to be very easy to set up and operate. If you care to tell me your vehicle year/make/model/version I can recommend the wiring adapter or hardwire kit to install this unit in your tow vehicle.

expert reply by: Adam R

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