Adding Electric Brakes to a 1997 Dutchmen Pop Up Camper

Updated 07/03/2018 | Published 06/30/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Brake Mounting Flange for 2-3/8" Round Axle

(25)

$25.51

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(104)

$1.89

Hopkins Engager Trailer Breakaway Kit w/ Charger, LED Tester, and 5 Ah Battery - Side Load

(747)

$60.86

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(6648)

$167.12

etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - 7" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 2,000 lbs

(230)

$92.42

Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 2K Axles - 7" Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2 - L44649 - Pre-Greased

(1223)

$70.66

Wiring Kit for Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuators

(12)

$83.84

Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - L44649

(2074)

$14.87

Question:

WE just bought a used 1997 Dutchman pop up camper, and are wondering is it hard to install electric brakes and what’s the best type/ brand? We are towing it with our outback, the wht of the camper is about 1800, with an AC on the top, added in 2016

asked by: Zelda B

Helpful Expert Reply:

Installing electric brakes on any trailer isn't too hard actually. All you have to do is mount the brakes (which requires a brake mounting flange), install a hub and drum assembly, and then run some wiring and a breakaway kit and your trailer is good to go. On your vehicle side you need a 7-Way connector and a brake controller to activate the trailer brakes.

Most likely you have a 2,000 lb axle (which you can verify by looking in the middle of it for a stamp) so you need the mounting flange # 4-35 if you don't already have one. If you need to install this then a professional welder will need to install it on your axle. Another resource to help you determine the weight rating of your axle is our FAQ on bearings which I have linked for you.

For trailer brakes I recommend our Brake Kit # AKEBRK-2 which is compatible with the hub and drum assembly # AKHD-545-2-2K. This uses # L44649 bearings that have a 1.063" inner diameter and it has a 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern which it looks like you have in your picture.

I recommend using the 7-Way Molded Trailer Plug with Junction Box # HS381-9000 and 10 Gauge Wire # 10-1-1 for the wiring on your trailer. You also need the Hopkins Engager Breakaway Kit # 20099 in the case of an emergency.

If you don't already have a 7-Way on your Outback just let me know what year it is and if you already have wiring run. For a brake controller I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195.

I have attached some review videos and instructions for you to check out as well as a helpful article about adding brakes to a trailer.