Parts Needed to Add Electric Drum Brakes to a Trailer with 3500 Pound Axles

Published 11/03/2016

Products Featured in This Question

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

(374)

$56.78

Trailer Wiring Junction Box

(824)

$35.53

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

(368)

$66.56

Curt Soft Trac I Trailer Breakaway Kit with Charger and 5 Ah Battery - Side Load

(50)

$61.31

Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connector - 16-14 Gauge - Nylon Insulation - Blue - Qty 10

(1149)

$14.91

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

(3471)

$118.67

Question:

Good Day i have a Homesteader Challenger 508C 3500 lbs easy lube axle I would like to put breaks on it but not sure what ones to get its a 5 on 4 1/2 15 inch wheel and a back plate with bolt centers at 2 7/8. the trailer is not a daily user maybe only 3 -4 hundred miles per year Thank you

asked by: Robert V

Expert Reply:

For a 3500 pound axle you're going to need 10 by 2-1/4 inch brakes. I recommend the Self Adjusting Electric Brake Assembly # AKEBRK-35R-SA for the right hand side and # AKEBRK-35L-SA for the left. These are self adjusting brakes so they only need to be adjusted at installation. I've attached a review video on the brakes for you to take a look at.

For a brake controller I suggest the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885 because of how easy it is to setup and to use. The controller will mount in the cab of your tow vehicle and is wired in under the dashboard. One circuit wire will run back to the 7-way trailer connector at the rear of the vehicle to supply power to the trailer's brakes. If you already have a 4-way connector and need a 7-way the # ETBC7 kit includes everything you need to install a fully functioning 7-way.

In most states your trailer is required by law to have a breakaway kit installed. This is to activate your trailer's brakes in the event that it becomes separated from your tow vehicle. I recommend the Curt Soft Trac I Trailer Breakaway Kit with Battery Charger # C52040.

If your trailer doesn't already have a 7-way connector on it the cleanest way to install one is using a junction box like # 38656. Using a junction box with a 7-way wire connector, , # H20046, keeps all the wiring tucked away nice and neat. You'll likely need some ring terminals # 44-5310A and butt connectors # DW05744-10 as well.