Parts Needed to Install Brakes on a Tandem Trailer with Hayes 3,500 lb Axles

Updated 04/14/2011 | Published 04/11/2011

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3,500-lb Axles - 10" Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2

(1123)

$128.05

Deka Jacketed 2 Wire, 10 Gauge, Brake Wire - per Foot

(336)

$4.00

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

(316)

$89.94

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

(312)

$89.02

Lock Washer for Brake Mounting Bolt for 7" and 10" Brake Assemblies - 7/16" Diameter

(108)

$0.39

Mounting Nut for 7" and 10" Brake Assemblies - 7/16" Diameter - Zinc Plated

(109)

$2.03

7-Way Round RV Style Trailer Connector - Trailer Side

(416)

$14.47

Karrier ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire with 15" White Spoke Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C

(1570)

$184.58

Question:

I have a tandem axle trailer that I just bought used. I asked a question regarding the bearings separately. I believe it has #84 spindles. My axles are 3500 lb, and they are stamped Hayes Axle Inc. They are simple idler hubs but they do have a square brake flange. I would like to add brakes to these axles, but have a few questions. 1. The axle are Hayes, am I required to use Hayes components or can I use a Dexter brake assembly and possibly drum/hubs from some other manufacturer? 2. Some time a few years from now, I will probably need to replace the brake shoes, maybe the electromagnet. Are these parts standard or will I need to remember what types of brakes I bought? The Hayes tag on the axle might confuse me... Perhaps itd be easier to get all Hayes parts. 3. Is there an advantage to a particular bolt pattern for load carrying ability? The wheels on it are currently mismatched and I will be replacing the wheels as well. I see that there are several 5 bolt patterns as well a 6 bolt pattern. Is the 6 bolt hub any stronger, or is the difference negligible?

asked by: Theo A

Expert Reply:

You are correct, the # 84 spindle parts do interchange to 3,500 lb Hayes axles, as long as it is not a boat trailer axle, so you can use the Dexter parts on these axles.

The spindle and hub parts for this application are standard parts that are still used in production, so they should be around for a long time to come. Of course keeping a record of the parts you use will help with replacement in the future. You could always return to Hayes parts in the future, the only thing to keep in mind is that if you replace one brake assembly in the future you will want to stay with the same manufacturer. We normally recommend replacing brake assemblies in pairs anyway, so they function the same.

The advantage of bolt pattern does have to do with capacity. More bolts equal a stronger assembly and higher capacity wheels and tires can be used. The problem with this is that the axle and associated parts are rated for 3,500 pounds, and putting overrated parts on the axle will cause a rougher ride, be more costly and make the axle the weakest part of the system. Staying with a hub and tire designed to work with the 3,500 axle is the best way to go.

Another advantage to staying with a 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern is that this is the readiest available bolt pattern for trailers so replacements are much easier to come by, and the ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire and wheel, item # AM32395, is rated for 1,820 lbs which is slightly higher than the axle rating and will be readily available.

For your trailer I would go with the # 84546UC3 Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly that you mentioned, along with the # 23-26 left hand and # 23-27 right hand brake assemblies. We have an installation video featuring these parts for you to review, see link.

Do not forget that you will need wiring for the trailer, item # 10-2-1, a 7-Way connector for the trailer, item # A7WCB, Nuts, item # 6-17, and Lock washers, item # 5-8, for attaching the brake assemblies to the mounting flanges.

If you need a brake controller and wiring for your truck let me know the year, make and model, and I will be glad to put together the parts for you to check out.