How to Tell if a Trailer Hub and Drum can Be Used with Electric Brake Assemblies

Updated 02/23/2017 | Published 02/22/2017

Question:

Bob G responded to this question at the following link- Can Electric Brakes be Used on a Boat Trailer? https://www.etrailer.com/question-4626.html Part of the answer mentions that some brake drum/hubs that were originally for a hydraulic brakes cannot be used for an electric brake conversion. How do I know if my drum/hubs can be used if I replace the hydraulics with electric? This is for a boat trailer. The trailer axle is rated 7000, 3.500 each side. The brake shoes are 10 x 2 1/4.

asked by: Hunter S

Expert Reply:

If you look at the inside of the drums you will need to look to see if the the magnet of the electric brake assemblies has a smooth surface to slide along. Typically it's the wheel studs of a hydraulic only drum that prevent the drum from being able to be used with electric assemblies.

If the studs are recessed like in the picture I attached the assembly should work just fine.

expert reply by: Jameson C