Converting Hydraulic Brakes To Electric On Tri-Axle Livestock Trailer

Updated 05/17/2019 | Published 05/15/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Trailer Hub Drum Assembly - 9K to 10K - 8 on 6.5 - Oil Bath - Non-ABS Drum - After July 2009

(33)

$803.60

12-10 Gauge Butt Connector

(23)

$0.86

Deka Jacketed 2 Wire, 10 Gauge, Brake Wire - per Foot

(323)

$3.60

Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes - 12-1/4" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 8K

(1630)

$736.78

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

(6662)

$156.39

Mounting Bolts and Hardware for 12-1/4" Brake Assemblies - 8,000 lbs to 9,000 lbs

(28)

$25.62

Question:

I have a 1985 Pioneer tri-axle oil bath livestock trailer. The trailer has vacuum over hydraulic brakes. I want to change to electric brakes. The drums are 12 1/4inch diameter and the shoes are 3 3/8, or 3 1/2. They seem to measure a bit over 3 3/8inch and a bit under 3 1/2. Its a 4 bolt mount. The trailer has Dexter axles and Dexter brakes. Can I change to electric brakes without changing the drums? Paying around $2,000.00 for 6 new drums will result in the project being cost prohibitive. Before I purchase brakes, wiring, suspension parts, and bolts I want to be positive that the electric brakes will work on my original drums.

asked by: Ron S

Expert Reply:

Most hubs are compatible with electric and hydraulic brakes. The 10,000 lb axle 12-1/4 inch diameter Dexter hub and drum assembly part # 8-430-5UC3 that we carry is hydraulic and electric brake compatible which may be what you have. If you can tell me the part number of the Dexter hubs and drums you have specifically I can find out if they are compatible.

If your hubs are compatible, I recommend Dexter Electric Brake Kit part # 23-434-435. These Dexter brakes measure 12-1/4" diameter x 3-3/8" wide so they are compatible with your current hubs. The axle rating on these brakes are 8,000 lbs. They have the 4 bolt mount pattern that you need. The mounting hardware you need is part # BRKH122508 to mount the brakes.

For wiring I recommend Deka Jacketed part # 10-2-1, one wire for power one wire for ground. I also recommend butt connectors part # 05732-2.

If you need a brake controller to activate the new electric trailer brakes I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 part # 90195. The P3 is a proportional controller that is compatible with 1-4 axle trailers. The best thing about the P3 is that it allows you to customize the controller with 5 storable settings for varying weights of live stock loads. You may be able to use an adapter to plug in the brake controller to a port under the dash of your tow vehicle. If you let me know the year, make and model of your tow vehicle I can tell you how the brake controller installs.