Brake Kit Options for a Tow Master 80 HD Tow Dolly Without Brakes

Updated 03/20/2013 | Published 03/18/2013

Products Featured in This Question

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

(2749)

$134.95

Question:

Hi, Im looking to buy a Tow Master 80 HD tow dolly and there are no units available in my area with brakes. Surge or electric? I saw the disc brake sys. T4843300, looks interesting. Any help would be great as I plan on leaving in about two weeks.

asked by: Curtis B

Helpful Expert Reply:

The most common type of brakes found on tow dollys are electric drum brakes. This is because electric brakes are typically the more cost effective option over hydraulic brakes and electric brake systems typically require less maintenance than hydraulic braking systems.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Electric brakes are usually cheaper to install than hydraulic brakes, but you must have an electronic brake controller, like the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller # 90885, installed in the tow vehicle to control the braking on the tow dolly. You must also have a breakaway kit (see link) installed if your state requires brakes on the tow dolly.

The main advantage to hydraulic brakes is that they do not require a brake controller if you use a surge coupler like the coupler included in the Titan Disc Brake and Actuator Kit, # T4843300, that you referenced. The entire braking system would remain on the tow dolly which would include the surge coupler, brake lines and hydraulic brakes. Hydraulic brakes are available in drum or disc.

I have attached three FAQ articles on adding brakes to a trailer for you to check out.

There are a few things to consider when adding brakes to your tow dolly. If the tow dolly that you purchase does not have brakes, then it probably has idler hubs rather than a drum style hub. The idler hub would need to be replaced with either a drum style hub or a hub and rotor assembly for disc brakes. You must also have brake mounting flanges welded to the spindles to attach the brake assemblies to the axle.

Tow dolly manufacturers often have their spindles manufactured to their own specifications meaning regular trailer hubs may not work. To determine if we have a hub and drum assembly that will work with your tow dolly, we will need your inner and outer bearing part numbers as well as the part number of your grease seal. I have attached a photo showing where the part numbers can be found on the bearings and grease seal.

If you are unable to find the part numbers, you could also measure the diameter of the spindle with a precise measuring tool such as a dial caliper to find the inner diameters of the inner bearing, outer bearing and grease seal.