Installing Electric Trailer Brakes To Replace Hydraulic Brakes

Updated 04/03/2019 | Published 04/02/2019

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3,500 lbs

(699)

$112.12

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(104)

$1.77

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

(747)

$59.83

Ring Terminal - 12-10 Gauge Wire - 3/16" Ring ID

(69)

$1.33

Metal Loom Clamp - 1/2"

(177)

$4.00

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

(230)

$92.30

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

(3027)

$145.30

etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left/Right Hand - 5.2K to 7K

(3027)

$186.02

Question:

I have an older trailer late 80s early 90s that had hydraulic brakes and I want to convert them to electric. I dont plan on ever hauling more than 2,000 pounds with it but i am not exactly sure of which axles are in it or even who manufactured the trailer. If i go strictly off of the drum measurements will that be sufficient?

asked by: Morgan D

Expert Reply:

To convert your hydraulic brakes to electric, you will start with the hub/drum diameter. Your brakes will either be 7 inch or 10 inch for that capacity. You can reuse your hubs if they are in good shape just use some brake cleaner to make sure they are really clean before installing your new brake assemblies.

For 10 x 2-1/4 inch hubs, I recommend the Electric Trailer Brake Kit - 10" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 3,500 lbs # AKEBRK-35 or the self-adjusting # AKEBRK-35-SA.

If you have 7 x 1-1/4 inch hubs, then I recommend the Electric Trailer Brake Kit - 7" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 2,000 lbs # AKEBRK-2. There is not a self-adjusting option for this size brake assembly.

Then I recommend running # 10-1-1 wire from your brake magnets to the 7-way with junction box # 277-000141. This will give you clean wiring connections using # 44-5310A and # A0500. Then you can add the breakaway kit # 20099.

I've attached some articles with diagrams to assist.

If you have 12 inch hubs and are just hauling low amounts for your capacity then you can use the Electric Trailer Brake Kit - Self-Adjusting # AKEBRK-7-SA. These will have the 5 bolt mounting flange instead of 4 hole flange.