Options for Adding Electric Drum Brakes to Motorcycle Trailer

Updated 04/13/2016 | Published 04/10/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension w Electric Brakes - Standard Duty - No Drop - 5 on 4-1/2 - 3.5K

(26)

$1477.43

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(108)

$1.61

Trailer Wiring Junction Box

(824)

$35.85

Ring Terminal - 12-10 Gauge Wire - 5/16" Ring ID

(71)

$1.03

Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension w Electric Brakes - Standard - 4" Drop - 5 on 4-1/2 - 3.5K

(26)

$1733.22

Ring Terminal -16-14 Gauge - 1/4" Ring ID - Qty. 1

(75)

$1.22

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3476)

$118.67

Question:

I have a single motorcycle trailer and want to add electric brakes..the axle at back of hub is about 1/18 dia ,and the trailer has 12inch tires which I am willing to replace with 13, to make sure I never overload loadstar 13inch on galv rims. There is no brake plate and the smallest I see you have has a 1 3/4 axle hole but my welder could probably make it work,but I get unclear about hub/drum/shoe plate fitting.the axle is square to the spindle extension and about 52inch tip to tip.....am looking at your shoe plate 2000 lb for 12,13,14 ...bike and trailer should weight in at 1150 lbs being towed by a 2012 subaru outback I am open for suggestions and any help in this matter.

asked by: Bob B

Expert Reply:

We can help you with the project of adding electric drum brakes to your motorcycle trailer. You may care to have a look at the linked article which covers the entire process and the items needed.
Generally a trailer with GVWR of 1200-lbs will not require brakes in most states but you can check your local state regulations to be sure.

I suggest you consider a whole new axle kit that includes brakes. This will save you a lot of time and labor costs too since the brake flange is already installed. The beam axles kits we have are longer than yours (89-inches) so you might want to consider an axle-less system from Timbren such as # A35RS545E or # A35RD545E which offers 4-inches of drop to allow for a lower deck height on the trailer.

Both of these kits bolt on to the trailer frame and all required components, including hardware, are supplied. The kits include the trailer-mounted spindle/suspension assemblies, hubs, brakes, bearings, seals - even grease caps and lug nuts. Both use the popular 5-on-4-1/2 wheel bolt pattern. In some instances you may need to reinforce the trailer frame to use these kits.

Electric drum brake assemblies are non-polarized so either wire can be ground or hot. Use 10-gauge wire like # 10-1-1 for the brake circuit. You'll need a junction box like # 38656 and 7-way trailer plug like # H20046, along with ring terminals # 44-5356A and # DW05702-1.

You'll also need a brake controller installed in the Outback. I suggest the reliable and easy-to-use Prodigy P2 # 90885. If the car has no wiring at this time you'll need a 4-pole harness # 118467 plus the brake controller install kit # ETBC7. If you have a 4-pole already just use the ETBC7.