Can Electric Trailer Brakes be Used with Hydraulic Brake Hub and Drums

Updated 08/30/2011 | Published 08/29/2011

Question:

I an converting from hydraulic brakes to electric for a small pop-up tent trailer 1500lbs unloaded. I ordered the electric brake assemblies for each side and was planning to reuse the brake hub which was originally used with a hydraulic brake set-up. I noticed the new brake hubs specifiy if the brake hub is electric vs hydraulic. What is the difference? Will I be able to reuse the brake drums from the original hydraulic etup or do I need to order the electric brake drums as well. Thanks

asked by: Kent

Expert Reply:

Some hub/drum assemblies can accept either electric or hydraulic brakes and some can only accept one or the other. It has to do with the amount of space inside the drum itself. The Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly, # 8-257-5UC3, is designed for electric brake assemblies. On many drums you can use either electric or hydraulic brakes.

Since you are switching over to electric brakes it would be best to also change the hub/drum assemblies to some that are made specifically for electric brake assemblies. The benefit is you know you are getting compatible parts, and you will also get new bearings, races, caps, and seals.

I have included a link to a video on switching from hydraulic to electric trailer brakes that should help you with your project. In the video, our installer uses the same hub/drum assemblies after changing out the brakes.

expert reply by: Michael H