Parts Needed to Replace Hydraulic Brakes with Electric Brakes

Published 02/15/2018

Question:

I am picking up a 1997 Trailex 7031. The aluminum trailer is a tandem axle that currently runs surge brakes. I would like to install electric brakes and am unsure which items would be recommended. Im fairly good at following directions or video tutorials, and want to get the correct parts before I begin. I expect to only be towing my car about 300 miles one direction this summer - as far north as Watkins Glen, NY and as far south as VIR at the Virginia/North Carolina border. I hope to increase the distance for several road trips over the next few years. That will involve crossing more mountainous areas, up to New England, and as far as Atlanta or even to Texas or Canada.

asked by: Ken L

Expert Reply:

To determine what the correct hub and drum/brakes are for your trailer you will need to remove a hub and note what the part number of your inner/outer bearings are as well as your grease seal. Newer axles have more of a standard fit when it comes to hubs which can be determined by the axle weight capacity, but since your trailer is a 1997 it would be best to verify the bearings and seal.

If you cannot find a part number on those components then you can use a digital caliper and measure the "B", "C", and "D" positions on your spindle (see attached diagram) to the 3rd decimal place. Let me know what you find and I can help you find a solution from there.

You may also consider just changing out your surge actuator and going to an Electric Over Hydraulic (EOH) brake system for your trailer. This type of system is best braking system out there because it combines the power of the hydraulic brake system with the control of an electric system.

To add an EOH system you will need an EOH actuator, a breakaway system, and a brake controller that is installed in your tow vehicle (this will need to be installed for an electric brake system anyways).

If you want to go with this setup then I recommend going with the Kit # HS381-9065 which includes an EOH actuator, a breakaway kit, and a 7-Way with a junction box. This kit includes everything needed for your trailer side conversion. You will then just need a brake controller like the popular Prodigy P3 # 90195 which uses a screen to take reading codes out of towing.

If you let me know what the year/make/model is of your tow vehicle I can give you more specifics for the brake controller installation.

Should you just want to go straight to the electric brakes let me know what information you find regarding the axle capacity, bearings, and grease seal and I can help you get the correct parts.