How to Determine if Trailer is Equipped with Brakes

Published 09/19/2018

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K

(3202)

$154.49

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

(26)

$25.64

Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 3,500-lb Axles - 10" Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased

(1292)

$91.20

Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 3,500-lb Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased

(1488)

$55.16

Question:

I bought a large 2-axle trailer that has been made into a cooking trailer. I know it does not have hydraulic due to there not being an actuator on the tongue. How can I tell if it might already have electric brakes? If it does not, do I need to replace the whole axle or just hubs, etc? Thanks

asked by: Bo M

Expert Reply:

It is very easy to determine if you have electric brakes on your trailer or not. If it does have brakes then you will have brakes like what comes in the kit # AKEBRK-35-SA and a hub and drum like part # AKHD-545-35-K but if it doesn't there will just be a hub assembly like part # AKIHUB-545-35-K. You can probably determine this by simply looking through or behind your wheel. If you can't tell by doing that then just simply remove and wheel and it will show what you have.

If you don't have brakes then you don't necessarily have to replace the axles. Most axles that would require brakes already have a brake mounting flange like part # 4-35 located right behind the spindle. I am attaching a photo of what this looks like. If you have the brake mounting flange then adding electric brakes is a fairly easy task. If you don't have the flange then you can get one welded on but since it needs to be precise you may want to replace the axle for the sake of safety.

Let me know what you find and I can help you with a brake controller in your tow vehicle to activate the brakes and adding brakes to your trailer (if it doesn't already have brakes).

expert reply by: Jon G