Adding Electric Trailer Brakes to Homemade Trailer

Updated 04/27/2021 | Published 04/23/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K

(1646)

$208.45

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(104)

$1.64

Dexter Electric Trailer Brakes - 7" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 2,000 lbs to 2,200 lbs

(1572)

$258.54

Bright Way Push-to-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit with 1-Amp Charger and 5 Ah Battery - Top Load

(210)

$56.48

Dexter Trailer Hub & Drum Assembly for 3,500-lb Axles - 10" Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased

(1078)

$164.07

Wiring Kit for Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuators

(12)

$83.69

Question:

Hi, I have recently purchased a custom-made 2001 utility trailer with a single torsion axle and checking the option to upgrade it with e-brakes. I tried to find the info about the axle itself, but couldnt find anything. The GVWR of the trailer is 3000 lbs, so I think its either 3000 or 3500 lbs axle Based on my understanding its 5x4.5 axles with the mounting flange bolt pattern of 2-7/8. Please see attached images for reference. I am not clear what hub and drum should I put together with Item # 23-468-469 Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Kit - 10 - Left and Right-Hand Assemblies - 3.5K in case this kit fits. Is there additional hardware required to install the e-brakes? Thank you

asked by: Vadim D

Expert Reply:

First I have attached below a link to our help article on adding trailer brakes that may help you throughout the process.

For installing the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Kit # 23-468-469 your trailer must have 13" or larger wheels. The brake mounting flange is the same dimension as the smaller Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Kit # 23-47-48 for 10-13" wheels.

It will really come down to the spindle dimensions that you have on your axle and since you do not have any axle information you will need to remove a hub to identify the axle spindle dimensions(see picture below).

For the 10" brakes the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3,500-lb E-Z Lube Axles # 84546UC3-EZ you will need the following spindle measurements. Inner bearing 1.378" inner diameter, outer bearing 1.063" inner diameter, and grease seal inner diameter 1.719". If you have a different measurement let me know what you have and I will let you know the correct parts for your hub assembly.

You will also need a Bright Way Push-to-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit # 3802308 and Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit # HS381-9000 for the wiring portion of your trailer brakes. And then some Wire # 10-1-1 to run to the individual brake assemblies. That is sold by the foot so you will need to estimate the correct amount for your trailer.