Switching Over a Triple Axle Gooseneck Trailer from Electric to Hydraulic Trailer Brakes  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Yes, you should be able to switch your triple axle gooseneck trailer over to hydraulic drum brakes from the existing electric brakes. You would need to select the proper hydraulic brake assemblies by axle capacity and brake mounting flange pattern, then add brake lines to the trailer and install an electric over hydraulic actuator on the trailer. You will also need an electric brake controller that is compatible with electric over hydraulic units. Your existing brake hubs should work with the new hydraulic assemblies as long as they are the same diameter and width as the hydraulic assemblies for your axles and are in good working condition.

If you have 5,200 lb Dexter axles with a 5 bolt brake mounting flange, you can use 3 of the 12 inch by 2 inch brake assemblies you referred to, # 23-325, for the right side and 3 of the # 23-324 brake assemblies for the left side.

For brake lines, you would need a Tandem Axle Hydraulic Line Kit, # T4830000, and a 3rd Axle Hydraulic Line Kit, # 9579-01. You may need some additional brake line, see link, depending on where you mount the actuator on your gooseneck trailer.

For an electric over hydraulic unit, you could use the Titan BrakeRite I Plug and Play Electric-Hydraulic Actuator Kit, # T4813102 with a reducer # T4844100 for your drum brakes. This actuator will mount at the front of the trailer and works with an electric brake controller that is compatible with electric over hydraulic brake actuators. If your brake controller is not compatible, you can use the Tekonsha P3 brake controller, # 90195, with the BrakeRite actuator.

expert reply by: Robert G

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