Parts Needed to Add Electric Drum Brakes to a 5 x 8 Utility Trailer

Updated 10/31/2016 | Published 10/29/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Trailer Axle w/ Electric Brakes - Easy Grease - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 89" Long - 3,500 lbs

(252)

$521.99

Brake Mounting Flange for 1-3/4" Round Trailer Axles - 2K

(32)

$25.88

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

(26)

$1479.38

Question:

I have a 5x8 trailer from tractor supply. It has a dexter axle. 2200 lbs. With 13 inch wheels 5 lug. Im looking to install electric brakes on it. Im going to need everything to mount brakes on it. Including the piece to weld onto the axle to mount the brakes. Been going through the website and trying to pick all the proper parts. Thinking it may be easier to send an email out and find out what i should be installing. Thanks in advance for any help.

asked by: Larry

Expert Reply:

We do have all the items you need to add electric drum brakes to your existing 2200-lb axle and the linked article outlines it all. But for making this process as easy and foolproof as possible you might consider simply replacing the entire axle with one that already has brake flanges, hub/drums and brakes. For example, etrailer Trailer Axle w/ Electric Brakes # e43SR is an 89-inch 3500-lb axle with 5-on-4-1/2 hubs and 10-inch electric brakes that comes complete with bearings, races and seals.

If you arrange to have flanges like # 4-34 welded on to your 1-3/4-inch diameter axle you will need to have this done by a professional welder who has the necessary jigs to install the flanges perfectly straight and concentric with the axle tube. Problems will arise if the flanges are not oriented exactly right. Using a new axle kit avoids all of that and also ensures that everything fits together properly.

We also offer axle-less suspension kits with brakes. Timbren kit # A35RS545E is a bolt-on axle-less suspension kit with brakes, rated for 3500-lbs.

expert reply by: Adam R