Parts Needed to Add Brakes to 3,500 lb Trailer Axle

Question:

I finally got a decent day to coincide with a day off so I started to install the electric brakes I ordered from etrailer. Everything was going fine until I went to put the brake unit on the axle. Was the kit supposed to come with nuts for the backside? I've attached pictures of what I'm taking about.

asked by: Charles C

Expert Reply:

Since we know you have 3,500 lb axles we can pretty easily pick out the correct parts you'd need to add brakes to your trailer. You'd need new hubs that have integrated drums like with the part # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K which have the very common 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern. Then you'd need to add matching brake assemblies with the part # AKEBRK-35-SA and you'd be set aside from 10 gauge wiring like part # 10-1-1 which we offer that you'd want to wire up the assemblies with. This is sold by the foot.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Charles C.

4/22/2020

i have two of the hub drums and the brake assemblies in my cart am I good?

Jameson C.

4/22/2020

Yep you are good! All you need is the two hubs and the brake assembly set and you have everything you need since you have the wiring already.

Charles C.

6/2/2020

Jameson C.

6/2/2020

Nuts weren't supposed to come with the assemblies but we offer them as part # BRKH10B.

Chuck C.

6/9/2020

Thanks, I picked up the nuts locally. I got everything installed except for the wiring. There are wires on the utility trailer that run front to back. I thought I was supposed to run one of the brake wires to the frame for ground and attach the other to the blue brake wire but when I dug more into researching how to connect I started second guessing it. Is there a clear tutorial for a situation like mine where I am adding electric brakes where there were none before? Thanks again!!!

Chris R.

6/12/2020

You're exactly right. Each brake assembly will have two wires - one for ground (which can be attached to the trailer frame) and one for power (which will connect to the blue brake output wire that runs up to the 7-way). It doesn't matter which wire you use for which function. I've linked a great article below that walks you through the process of adding electric brakes.

Helpful Links

faq-adding-electric-drum-brakes.aspx