Installing New Axle and Electric Brakes on an Interstate Loadrunner 6x12 Trailer Without Brakes

Updated 01/30/2013 | Published 01/27/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 10" - Left Hand - 3,500 lbs

(246)

$49.65

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

(2776)

$159.43

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3416)

$134.98

Question:

Hello there. I have a single axle 6x12 Interstate Loadrunner trailer that has no brakes. A local indusrial supply house has a 3500lb axle with brakes, a 5 on 4.5 I believe it is. Can I just buy it and swap the axles or am I missing alot of information? The unit is on sale for 249 dollars but only until feb 3/13. Any help would be kindly appreciated. Thank you

asked by: Dale

Expert Reply:

You can install on your existing trailer a new axle that has electric brakes, but there are a few things to consider.

First you need to make sure the new axle has a weight capacity equal to or greater than the stock axle.
(I did a check on the Interstate website and they offer several 6x12 trailers with varying weight capacities so you need to confirm the axle specs for your specific trailer to be sure the replacement has an equal or higher rating.) Next you need to verify that the hub bolt pattern on the new axle matches your existing wheels. You will also need to determine whether your stock axle is straight or has a drop, what the spring center measurement is, and the measurement of the hub face. (You may also have a torflex axle, which will require you find out the start angle of the axle, hub face measurement, and outside mounting bracket measurement). Please refer to the diagrams sent in a separate email.

Since your trailer does not have brakes currently you will need to install new wiring to connect the new trailer brakes to the required brake controller. We offer a wiring kit to provide the required 7-way connector on the back of your vehicle, part # ETBC7. A video on this item is included. Your tow vehicle needs to have a 4-way connector at the back bumper in order to install the ETBC7. If you do not already have tow package wiring with a working 4-way you will need to install one; the correct part is determined by your vehicle year/make/model. You can provide this information to us or use the wiring fitguide to find the correct part; a link is provided.

You will also need a brake controller, such as the Tekonsha P2 Proportional Controller, part # 90885, which is among the most popular and easiest to use. I have included a video demonstrating a typical installation. And you will also need a vehicle-specific wiring harness to connect the controller to your vehicle braking system, so it knows when to send a braking signal to the trailer brakes. If your vehicle does not have tow package wiring you will need to hardwire a connector for the controller (included with the P2). If you do have tow package wiring and wish to provide the year/make/model of your tow vehicle I can direct you to the appropriate vehicle-specific wiring harness, or you can use the provided link to our trailer wiring fitguide.

expert reply by: Adam R