Changing Idler Hubs on Small 5x8 Trailer to Electric Brakes

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Question:

I am pulling a small 2200 lb GVWR cargo trailer that weighs about 800 lb dry, but want to have full cargo range. It has 13 wheels on a single full torsion 3500 lb idler axle with a 4 hole brake bracket, but no drums or disc setup. I have a minivan that has a hitch on it and is prepped for full trailer GVWR with proper cargo tongue wt. The trailer has an A-frame coupler. Wheels are 13 with 5 on 4.5. I dont anticipate need for weight distribution or sway control as trailer is 5X9. I would like option to pull lightly loaded unit in a Pontiac vibe. It presently doesnt have controller either. I probably dont need trailer brakes strickly, but am wondering what it would cost to do it and what is the most economic route. I dont tow that many miles/yr, but am still curious. I looked at disc ideas, but the A-coupler seemed to force the electric-hydraulic actuator need. So I am guessing electric brakes/drums with with controller is cheapest? Thanks for any insights.

asked by: Frank

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Expert Reply:

With a smaller trailer like you describe, electric brakes would be my recommendation both from a cost standpoint as well as the ease of installation.

For the trailer, you would need two hub/drum assemblies and two brake assemblies. To determine if the hub/drum assemblies we offer are compatible with your trailer spindles, you will need to pull one of your idler hubs off, and look at the inner and outer bearing numbers. The hubs we offer, part # AKHD-545-35-K use # L68149 inner bearings and # L44649 outer bearings. The bearings, races and grease seal is included. The appropriate brake assemblies would be part # AKEBRK-35L for the left hand side and # AKEBRK-35R for the right side. A 7-way trailer connector would be needed for the trailer, such as part # H20042. You would need several feet of 10 gauge wire, part # 10-1-1 to carry the brake output voltage.

The tow vehicle would need a 4-pole trailer connector. For the 2003-2008 Vibe, use part # 118458. For 2009-2010 models, use part # 118460. You will need a brake controller, the Tekonsha Voyager you referenced, part # 39510 would work fine but the Prodigy P2, part # 90885 is much more user friendly. You will also need the Brake Controller Install Kit, part # ETBC7 which includes everything necessary for installing a brake controller, including the adapter to convert the 4-pole to a 7-way.

We have some install videos that you might find helpful, click on the provided links to view them.

expert reply by: Mike L

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Answer 1

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 2

To add brakes and the wiring to support their operation to your 5 x 8 cargo trailer you'll want to make sure the brakes have the correct rating for your axle (which you did) and also that they use the same mounting bolt pattern as your installed…

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Answer 3

You can install on your existing trailer a new axle that has electric brakes, but there are a few things to consider. First you need to make sure the new axle has a weight capacity equal to or greater than the stock axle. (I did a check on the…

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Answer 4

If you already have brake drums you will not have to replace them unless they are damaged or became overheated and have discoloration on the inside armature surface where the magnet rides, grooves in the armature surface, or severe wear where the…

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Answer 5

If you connect the trailer brake light circuit to the trailer brake circuit your brakes would lock up immediately since 12 volts is max braking voltage for trailer brakes. You'd need a brake controller that can vary voltage so that you can apply…

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Answer 6

Hey Dave, thanks for reaching out! We don't have the 15" Lionshead Lynx Silver wheel, and that line has unfortunately been discontinued so we won't be able to get it either. If you just need one wheel like for a spare, then the Aluminum…

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Answer 7

According to my research, the Dico 15638 Braking Assemblies that you have now are 10" x 2-1/4" therefore the correct replacement for you will be the Hydraulic Brake Kit part #AKUBRK-35-D for single servo or part #AKFBBRK-35-D for free…

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Answer 8

The Dico 15638 is a 10 x 2-1/4 inch brake drum/hub that used kind of an oddball bearing setup, inner bearing LM67048 and 3/4 outer bearing LM11949. None of the hub/drums we currently carry are compatible with this bearing set. If the drums are still…

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Answer 9

If the 12-volt pin on your trailer connector isn't working, you've got a missing or blown fuse or the wiring connection at the fuse box under the hood wasn't finalized. You're looking for a 40 amp fuse, located in position #68 in the…

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Answer 10

Hello Greg, Great question, and yes level towing is important. The average height for a mid-size to full-size travel trailer is 22 to 28 inches, the average height for an F-350 with 4 wheel drive is 20–24 inches, with that being said you will most…

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Answer 11

On the 2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty, the brake controller port is located behind the center dashboard access panel on the passenger's side. One end of the #3034-P adapter will plug into the back of the brake controller and the other end plugs into…

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Answer 12

Actually, the P3 now has the upgraded axis accelerometer like the P2. The Tekonsha P3 Trailer Brake Controller #90195, will work with both electric over hydraulic brakes on the trailer as well as electric brakes. It has a menu option on the display…

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Changing Idler Hubs on Small 5x8 Trailer to Electric Brakes

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