Parts Needed to Add Electric Drum Brakes to Trailer  

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Expert Reply:

The linked article gives you a recap of what is needed to add brakes to a trailer.

Since your trailer's 2200-lb axle already has brake flanges installed, adding brakes to it will require you to select left- and right-hand brake assemblies and hubs/drums to replace your idler hubs. The new hubs have to use the same inner and outer bearing as your old hubs to ensure they will fit on your existing spindles. Check the mounting bolt pattern on the flanges to ensure they match the 4-bolt pattern on the brakes we offer.

All 2K-rated brakes in the 7 x 1-1/4-inch and 7-1/2-inch sizes are shown on the linked page. I suggest the cost-effective Axle Tek option, part # AKEBRK-2, which are 7 x 1-1/4-inch. This is both a left and right electric brake in one kit. These will work with 13-inch wheels. Use hardware kit # BRKH7. Either brake wire can be used as ground or hot; they are not polarized so it does not matter which wire connects to the trailer frame.

Hub/drum assemblies are shown on the other linked page. If your current hubs use L44649 as both inner and outer bearing you can use E-Z Lube hub # AKHD-545-2-EZ-2K. These use the popular 5-on-4-1/2 bolt pattern (please see the linked article for more).

You will also need to wire your brakes to the trailer. I suggest using a junction box like # 38656 which will enable you to join the existing wiring and the new brake wiring together in a protected location. We also offer a trailer wiring kit complete with junction box and 7-way plug, part # HS381-9000.

Your tow vehicle will also need to have a brake controller like the Prodigy P2 # 90885 to activate the trailer brakes.

expert reply by: Adam R

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