Parts Needed to Add Brakes to a Boat Trailer Towed by a 2003 Ford Ranger

Updated 08/20/2012 | Published 08/16/2012

Products Featured in This Question

Kenda 205/65-10 Bias Trailer Tire with 10" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range E

(7232)

$140.32

Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(2763)

$131.15

Hub Bearing Kit for Lippert, Dexter, and AL-KO Axles - 3,500 lb with #84 Spindle

(2834)

$15.39

CE Smith Trailer Wheel Lug Nut - Zinc-Plated Steel - 1/2" - Qty 1

(417)

$5.08

Kodiak Disc Brake Kit - 8" Rotor/Hub - 5 on 4-1/2 - Dacromet - 3,500 lbs

(13)

$434.51

Dexter BrakeRite II Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Kit - Vented - 1,500 psi

(34)

$1168.94

Gel Cell Breakaway Kit w/ 2 Batteries for Dexter BrakeRite Systems - 10 Ah - Top Load

(8)

$123.41

Question:

I am getting ready to place a giant order looks to be about 700 bucks and before I order these tires part number AM3H490 I want to know if it is possible to add brakes to these...... If not, I may rethink the tires a bit...... I know they are small, but I require these to get my boat launched easily. I would be willing to change the axle and all that to get brakes as I just would feel a little better with a set of brakes and my truck is setup for electric brakes as well Thanks to you guys about 3 years ago I am also a overkill kind of guy, would rather be over built than under built. My trailer is rated for 2950 lbs, and the boat is a ComPac 19 sailboat, weighs in around 2500 lbs. Trailer is supposedly 450 or so...... Truck is a 2003 Ford Ranger 4wd supercab FX4 Level 2 What is your guys thoughts on this? Thank you very much, I appreciate the input.

asked by: Jason D

Expert Reply:

You can add electric brakes but since you have a boat trailer and they will be getting in the water I recommend hydraulic disc brakes. Hydraulic brakes can be used with an electric brake controller. There are several components you will need to add brakes to the trailer. I have included a link to an FAQ article that goes over the components you will need.

There are 5 essential parts: brake mounting flanges, disk brake assemblies, brake line kit, an electric over hydraulic actuator, and a brake controller compatible with electric over hydraulic braking systems like the P2, # 90885. For disc brake assemblies compatible with 10 inch wheels, you would most likely need # K2HR35D-8 for 3,500 pound axles.

This kit uses bearing kit # BK2-100 with L44649 outer, L68149 inner, and seal 10-19. The most likely mounting flange is # 4-35 for 2-3/8 inch diameter round axles (unless your axle already has them). And you will need 1/2 inch lug nuts like # CE11051.

The most popular actuator is # T4813102. You would also need break away kit # T4822100.

To get the right brake kit you will need to know the inner and outer bearing numbers stamped into the bearings and the bolt pattern of the wheel. Electric brakes could easily get shorted out so hydraulic brakes are the way to go and disc brakes are going to be the most reliable.