Parts Needed to Add Electric Drum Brakes to a Trailer

Updated 03/29/2017 | Published 03/28/2017

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Question:

I have an old axle that i dont believe is made anymore. Its a Centruy model# 616, 3500#. Im looking to add electric brakes and chage the hubs to 6x5.5 lug pattern and I want to get the right parts. Ive measured the spindle with your diagram. the dimentions are: A- 1.87 B- 1.71 C- 1.37 D- 1.06 E- 1.0 F- .542 What do I need? thanks!

asked by: Matthew A

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you have bearings # L68149, that measures 1.378 inches, and # L44649, which measures 1.063 inches. If so the hub and drum assembly # AKHD-655-35-K will fit your axle. This kit also includes the races and seal. It's for 3,500 pound axles and has a 6 on 5-1/2 bolt pattern.

With a 3,500 pound axle you'll need brake flanges with a 4-bolt pattern like # 4-35. Your trailer may already have these and if so that's good. The brake flange needs to be welded to the end of the axle to support the brake assemblies. It will need to be welded perfectly straight for your brakes to function properly so the work should be performed by a certified trailer shop.

You're going to need to wire the trailer to power the brakes. This will require to have a 7-way connector if it doesn't already have one. Use our # HS381-9000 wiring kit for a 7-way with a junction box and all the connectors you'll need. Then use about 20 feet of 10 gauge wire # 10-2-1, which is sold by the foot, to run the wire from the junction box to the trailer's brakes.

The trailer will require a breakaway kit. The Hopkins Engager # 20099 is our most popular kit. The breakaway kit engages the trailer's brakes in the event the trailer is separated from your tow vehicle.

In order to control the trailer's brakes you must have an electric brake controller in your tow vehicle. If you don't already have one I suggest the Prodigy P3 # 90195 because of how reliable and easy to use it is. Its one of our top brake controllers. If you tell me the year, make, and model of your tow vehicle I'll see if we have a custom harness to install the controller. And also anything else that may be necessary.

And finally you'll need brakes. I suggest the # AKEBRK-35-SA brake kit that includes both brake assemblies. These are self-adjusting so they'll need to be manually adjusted once when they're installed and never again.

I've linked some videos on the products I've recommended for you to take a look at.