Recommended Electric Trailer Brakes For Dolittle 6x12 Cargo Trailer With 2990lb GVWR  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

We do not have a kit with all of the components needed to add electric trailer brakes to your Dolittle 6' x 12' cargo trailer but I would be happy to recommend the products needed.

Since your trailer has a GVWR of 2990lbs it more than likely has 3500lb axles but you will want to check the axle tag located on the center of the axle to be sure.

First you will want to make sure that there is a brake mounting flange installed on the axle. This is a 4-bolt flange that will be located directly behind your current idler hub. If you do not have one you will need to have one installed by an axle shop as it will need to be welded perfectly parallel with the axle. If your trailer has a 2-3/8" axle tube you would want the # 4-35.

Next you will need to find which bearings your spindle uses. The easiest way to do this is to remove one of the hubs and look at the bearing numbers stamped in the face of the bearing as you can see in the included picture of the # L44649. If your bearings are worn to the point that you cannot read the bearing numbers you will need to use digital calipers like # PTW80157 to precisely measure your spindles according to the included diagram.

Assuming that your axle is a 3500lb axle the most common bearing combination is the # L68149 inner bearing and # L44649 outer bearing which would use Trailer Hub And Drum Assembly # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K which has the 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern to match your wheels, but you will want to confirm your bearing combination first.

For compatible braking assemblies you would need the Electric Trailer Brake Kit # AKEBRK-35-SA and mounting hardware # BRKH10B.

Next you will need to add a 7-way connector to the trailer using the etrailer Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit w/ Junction Box # HS381-9000 which will give you a junction box to make all of your wiring connections. You will need to use # 12-1-1 to connect each brake assembly to the junction box using heat shrink butt connectors # DW05745-5 for a weather tight connection.

To power and control the new trailer brakes your tow vehicle will need a 7-way connector and trailer brake controller. If you are missing either of these items just let me know the Year/Make/Model of your vehicle and I would be happy to make a recommendation for you.

Lastly if you find that your spindles use a different bearing combination, just email me and I will recommend the correct hub and drum assemblies.

I included videos for each of the products mentioned and a link to a helpful article that goes over adding electric trailer brakes for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Samuel C

1

Bearing Number Stamped On Face Of Bearing
(click to enlarge)

Where To Measure Spindle To Determine Inner and Outer Bearings
(click to enlarge)