Determining Parts Needed To Convert Trailer From Hydraulic Brakes To Electric Brakes

Question:

the outer bearing is a L44649 and the inner is a LM48548 the tire size is 7 - 14 If I can convert just the hydraulic brakes to electric and not change hubs and rims I am okay with that. If we need to change everything that's fine too... can you give me a price both ways please. Thank you

asked by: Anthony S

Expert Reply:

I would be happy to recommend the parts you will need to convert your trailer from hydraulic brakes with 14" wheels to electric trailer brakes with new 5 lug wheels, but first we will need to determine a few things about the trailer.

First you will need to find out which inner and outer hub bearings your trailer uses.

There is two ways to accomplish this, with the easiest being pulling on hub off and checking for the bearing number on each bearing. This number is stamped on the face of the bearing as you can see in the included picture of the # L44649.

If the bearings numbers are not readable, you will need to use digital calipers like # PTW80157 to measure the spindles according to the included diagram.

With bearing numbers or spindle measurements I will be able to recommend the correct parts that will fit your trailers axle.

Lastly if you can provide the tire size of your current 14" tires, I will be able to make a recommendation on new wheels and tires. It is important to keep the tire size close to the same size to avoid any clearance issues cause by the tire being too wide and hitting the trailers frame, or too tall and hitting the wheel well.

I included a helpful article on adding electric trailer brakes to a trailer for you to take a look at, and once you send over the bearing and tire information I would be happy to recommend all of the correct parts to complete the conversion.

expert reply by: Samuel C

click to enlarge

Anthony S.

1/15/2021

Samuel C.

1/15/2021

Thank you for the information! I have a replacement option for you, but since your spindles use the # LM48548 there is not a replacement hub and drum assembly available. The only option to change the brakes to electric, or to find a replacement hub now and in the future is to replace the axle with one that uses more common bearings. There are two replacement axle options, being a standard axle and an axle-less system. If you would prefer a standard axle you will need to measure your current axle hub-face to hub-face, and spring center to spring center as shown in the included diagram. The hub-face to hub-face measurement is the most important as the spring centers can be cut off an new ones added in the correct location if needed. For example the Dexter Trailer Axle Beam with E-Z Lube Spindles # 7359765 has a hub face to hub face measurement of 94", and a spring center to spring center measurement of 80". This axle uses inner bearing # L68149, and outer bearing # L44649 which is very common. If you axle matches these dimensions this axle would be a great option. The option I recommend is using the Timbren Axle-Less Suspension System like the # A35RS545E which has a 3500lb weight rating and already comes with electric brakes and hub and drum assemblies with the common 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern, and does not require you to worry about measuring your current axle as it gets welded or bolted to your trailers frame. With this option you would only need a wiring junction box like the etrailer # e99011 which will give you the 7-way connector needed to power the electric trailer brakes, and # 12-2-1 to run from the junction box to each brake assembly. Using heat shrink butt connectors # DW05745-10 will provide a weather tight connection. For new wheels and tires I recommend the Provider ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 15" Vesper Silver Mod Wheel # MX57FR which have an overall height of 27.13" compared to the 27" height of your 7-14 tires meaning this wheel and tire combination would fit without interference. If you can provide the measurements of your current axle I would be happy to see if we have a replacement axle that matches your dimensions. I included videos for each of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.