Parts Needed to Change Hydraulic Trailer Brakes Over to Electric Brakes on a 1997 Jayco Tent Trailer

Published 06/01/2011

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 7" - Left Hand - - 2,000-lbs to 2,200-lbs

(56)

$117.63

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

(326)

$4.05

Dexter Hydraulic Drum Brake Assembly - Uni-Servo - 7" - Right Hand - 2,500 lbs

(24)

$115.52

Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 7" - Right Hand - 2,000-lbs to 2,200-lbs

(56)

$100.60

Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 2,000-lb Axles - 7" - 5 on 4-1/2

(1088)

$192.41

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

(3465)

$118.67

Pollak Black Plastic, 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector - Trailer End

(718)

$8.33

Question:

The original surge brakes in my 1997 Jayco tent trailer were removed due to corrosion. The shop suggested to go with electric brakes size 7, but quoted almost $1000 to do the job. Ill have to do this myself, so can you tell me what else I need to do the job? Any info, I would greatly appreciate.,I installed a curt hitch and 4 pin wiring harness on my 2004 Sienna XLE - is there anything else you need to recommend a specific brake controller adapter?

asked by: Shawn

Expert Reply:

You will need two of the 7 inch electric brake assemblies, one right hand, # 23-48, and one left hand, # 23-47. You will also need an appropriate length of 10 gauge wire, item # 10-2-1, for running the wires to the trailer connector at the trailer coupler. Next, you will need a trailer connector to match the wiring on your vehicle, or the wiring you will need to install on your vehicle, to activate the electric brakes. I would recommend the Pollak trailer connector, item # PK12706, for ease of installation and compatibility with most towing vehicles.

You will need to replace your hub and drum to accommodate the 7 inch electric brakes. You will need two of the trailer hub and drum assemblies, item # 8-257-5UC3, if your wheels have a 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern or two # 8-276-5 assemblies if your wheels have a 4 on 4 inch bolt pattern.

If your state requires a breakaway system, the Tekonsha Push to Test Breakaway Kit with Premium Integrated Charger, item # 50-85-313, is recommended.

Finally you will need to install a brake controller and possibly brake controller wiring on your vehicle. I would recommend the P2 brake controller, item # 90885, along with the proper wiring for your vehicle. If your vehicle does not have a factory installed trailer wiring package, you will need the Brake Controller Installation Kit, item # ETBC7, to complete the installation. If your vehicle has tow package wiring, let me know the year make and model and I can make a recommendation for a vehicle specific brake controller adapter to make the installation easier.

If your trailer still has a functional hydraulic actuator on it and the drums are still good, you may be better off going with a new set of Hydraulic brake assemblies, like part # 23-399 right hand and part # 23-398 left hand. We also have replacement hydraulic brake drums and actuators. If those parts are needed just let me know.

expert reply by: Robert G

Shawn

6/1/2011

Bob G.

6/1/2011

Thanks for getting back to me. parts needed for installation of a brake controller on the 2004 Toyota Sienna XLE with 4-Way connector, are a brake controller, and the # ETBC7 brake controller installation kit. This kit will contain a 7 and 4-Way connector that will plug inline with your existing 4-Way connector, and you will have 4 additional wires, a ground wire, a 12 volt power wire, a brake circuit wire and a backup circuit wire. These wires can all be ran or just the circuits needed and the others tied up out of the way for future use. You will then need to install a brake controller in the cab of the Sienna. I recommend the P2, item # 90885. The installation kit will have the wires for installation of the brake controller. The only other thing you may need is a circuit tester, item # 3808, which will be needed to locate the brake switch wire that has power only when the brake pedal is pressed. The red wire from the brake controller will be spliced into this wire. The brake controller also needs a 12 volt power wire, ground and the brake output wire. We have detailed instructions for installation of the ETBC7 kit which I have linked for you to review. I have also provided a video of the installation of an ETBC7 kit for you to review, the vehicle is different but the wiring principles are the same.