How to Select Replacement Electric Drum Trailer Brakes  

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The details to confirm when selecting new trailer brakes are 1) the axle weight rating; 2) the brake/drum dimensions; and 3) the size of your trailer wheels (wheels, not tires) to ensure compatibility.

For choosing your new electric drum brakes for your trailer you will want to check the axle(s) for a sticker or plate that indicates the axle weight capacity. Some trailers' main identification sticker will indicate the axle ratings along with other info like the trailer VIN. Either way you need to confirm the weight rating for the axle in order to choose brakes with matching stopping power.

The other thing to confirm is the brake/drum dimensions, both diameter and width. Please refer to the linked image showing a hub/drum and how to determine its dimensions. For instance, a 3500-lb axle typically uses 10 x 2-1/4-inch brakes like # AKEBRK-35-SA while a 7000-lb axle will usually use 12 x 2-inch brakes like # 23-464-465. These 12 x 2 brakes work with wheel diameters of 14-1/2-, 15- and 16-inches.

The linked page displays all of our electric drum brakes and you need only click on the axle weight rating you have to see suitable brakes.

We offer both individual left- and right-hand brakes and complete sets of two. We also offer both manual-adjust and self-adjust types. Self-adjusting brakes will maintain proper pad tension on their own once you install and initially set their tension manually. After that they take care of themselves.

Electric brake wiring is non-polarized so it does not matter which magnet wire goes to ground or to the brake circuit. Be careful to ensure your ground wire is firmly affixed to a clean bare metal spot on the frame (or elsewhere). You can sand off that grounding point if needed to remove paint, primer, rust or anything that could impede conductivity.

Wiring connections can be made using butt connectors like # 05731-5 and an application of dielectric grease like # 11755 can help protect spliced connections and grounding points from corrosion caused by water and road salt.

expert reply by: Adam R

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