How to Determine Correct Capacity and Size Electric Drum Brakes for Tandem Axle Trailer

Question

Question:

I have 13inch rims. How do I know what size electric brake to use tire size is 175/80R13. I have dual axle and would like some recommendations on what to get.

asked by: Jaron

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Expert Reply:

Electric drum brakes come in several sizes and each will be compatible with certain specific wheel sizes. You can best select replacement electric brakes for your tandem axle trailer by determining the axle weight rating. This ensures your brakes have the appropriate stopping power for the trailer's weight.

A trailer tire in size ST175/80R13 can have a weight rating of 1100 to 1600-lbs per tire so your axle rating is likely to be 2000-lbs to 3500-lbs. Usually an axle has a sticker or plate to tell you its weight rating; other times the trailer's main VIN sticker will list axle ratings along with other information such as its GVWR.

Axles rated for 2000-lbs and 2200-lbs typically use 7 x 1-1/4-inch brakes like # AKEBRK-2. These work with wheel diameters up to 13-inches. 3500-lb axles, which are fairly common, use brakes that measure 10 x 2-1/4-inches such as # AKEBRK-35-SA. This size of brake works with 13-inch wheel diameters and larger ones too.

You can confirm which size brakes you need by pulling one of your hubs and measuring its diameter and depth, as shown in the photo I included for you. We offer both manual-adjust brakes as well as self-adjusting ones like # AKEBRK-35-SA.

When you wire in your new brakes you can use either one of the two wires as ground since these magnet wires are non-polarized. Be sure to make solid ground connection to clean bare metal on the trailer frame, or to the ground terminal in your wiring junction box like # HS381-9000.

While you have your hubs pulled for installing the new brakes you might want to check your bearings for wear or damage. The part numbers for bearings are usually stamped right into their housings (see the second photo, please) and this makes it easy to find the replacements on our site. I linked two articles on bearings and one concerning lubricating grease in case you plan to replace these as well.

expert reply by: Adam R

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Answer 1

Hi Hayden; that bolt pattern is really uncommon but I believe it can be found on some really old Airstream trailers. There are no modern replacements that will match. The best option is to replace the hub with one that has a common bolt pattern like…

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Answer 2

To determine the size of the brake assemblies you need you have to measure the depth and width of the hub drum on the axle like what you see in the picture I attached. The most common size is 2-1/4 inch wide like the #T4071600-500 that you…

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Answer 3

I have to start by saying you need to contact Flagstaff to ensure your camper has the structural integrity to tow, as it's frame may not. State laws are also going to need to be examined in regards to double towing and the total length you are…

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Answer 4

You should be able to change out the backing plates, hubs, and brakes on your trailer so you can upgrade to higher rated assemblies, but I do recommend checking a couple things on your tow vehicle first. It's possible that your weak braking is…

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Answer 5

There are 4 possible reasons why the Tekonsha Primus, #TK90160, is telling you N.C. 1. Trailer not connected to tow vehicle. 2. Trailer connected with open circuit on brake line. 3. Trailer connector disconnected or corroded. 4. Loss of trailer brake…

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Answer 6

Yes, you can run a 175/80-R13 tire on a trailer that came with a 175/80-D13 tire. The only difference between the two is that "R" stands for radial ply and "D" stands for diagonal. For a replacement 175/80-R13 tire, I recommend…

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Answer 7

First you will need to remove the old hydraulic equipment. Remove the surge coupler or actuator, remove all the lines, and finally remove the brake assemblies. If you have 10 inch diameter hub and drums, you may need to replace those as well. If you…

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Answer 8

We have not yet had the chance to install a brake controller on a 2014 Toyota Sienna. However, the process is pretty much standard in regards to wiring so I have attached an install video of a brake controller on a similar model year which you should…

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Answer 9

I went out to the warehouse and grabbed a 7-Way Molded Trailer Wire Connector #H20046 to measure it for you. I used a set of digital calipers to get an accurate measurement. The diameter of the outer black sheath is 0.59 inches or 19/32 of an inch. A…

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Answer 10

You would need to step up to a 3500 pound set up to get an axle that comes with brake mounting flanges. You could have brake mounting flanges welded to a 2K axle if you wanted but it is a precision job that requires the proper equipment and someone…

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Answer 11

With the right size hub and drum assembly you could technically use 7 inch brakes on anything. The problem is that 7 inch brakes are rated too low for a 3500 pound axle. They are only rated up to 2500 pounds. The other issue is that the hub/drums…

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Answer 12

Good afternoon! I am not sure what the stamped numbers mean but 3" diameter axles will typically have between 5,200 lbs to 7,000 lbs capacity. As far as replacement parts for it, like hubs, you're going to need to pull one of your hubs off…

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How to Determine Correct Capacity and Size Electric Drum Brakes for Tandem Axle Trailer

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