Question:
Finally getting around to fixing my trailer and as I was going through your website I came across the article on converting hydraulic brakes to electric. If I were to do that I would assume that I could just use my current coupler, disconnect the hydraulics, and install the electric assemblies. Assuming the drums are OK it appears there is no need to replace those..correct? Here are pictures of the current hydraulic brakes can you recommend electric replacement and components needed. I'm also thinking about making the tongue a break-away can you recommend the kit for that as well. Thanks
asked by: John D
Helpful Expert Reply:
Thanks so much for the photos as they were very helpful; they show your trailer's drums are 12 inches in diameter, and that you do have a 5-bolt brake mounting flange. To switch from hydraulic to electric trailer brakes you are correct you would be able to use your current coupler as well as drums, and we do have the parts needed for you to switch, which are the following:
- Electric Trailer Brake Kit - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 5.2K to 7K # AKEBRK-7-SA
- Mounting Bolts and Hardware for 12" Brake Assemblies # BRKH12
- 10 Gauge Primary Wire - Blue - per Foot # 10-1-1
- Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connectors # DW05745-5
- Trailer Wiring Junction Box # 3375601100
- Hopkins 7-Way RV Style Connector # HM20087
- Bright Way Push-to-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit # 3802308
If your vehicle does not have a 7-way, you would need to add one with the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controllers # ETBC7. The only other thing you will need if you don't have one is a brake controller such as the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller # 90195.
I have added some links below to some help articles and video reviews for you to check out as well.
In regards to making the tongue a breakaway, I assume you mean a folding tongue, and the correct one will depend on the size of your current trailer tongue - Fulton Fold-Away Coupler Hinge Kit for 3" x 3" Tongue # FHDPB330301, 3" x 4" Tongue # FHDPB340301, or 3" x 5" Tongue # FHDPB350101.
Trailer Wiring Junction Box - 7 Terminals - Polypropylene
Bright Way Push-to-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit with 1-Amp Charger and 5 Ah Battery - Top Load
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
Electric Trailer Brake Kit - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 5.2K to 7K
Mounting Bolts and Hardware for 12" Brake Assemblies
Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connector - 12-10 Gauge - Nylon Insulation - Yellow - Qty 5
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
Fulton Fold-Away Coupler Hinge Kit for 3" x 4" Tongue - Bolt On - Up to 7,000 lbs
Fulton Fold-Away Coupler Hinge Kit for 3" x 5" Tongue - Bolt On - Up to 9,000 lbs
Hopkins 7-Way RV Style Connector w/ Molded Cable and LED Test Lights - Trailer End - 8' Long
Fulton Fold-Away Coupler Hinge Kit for 3" x 3" Tongue - Bolt On - Up to 5,000 lbs
