How to Select New Brakes and Hubs for a Load Rite Boat Trailer

Updated 04/18/2013 | Published 04/17/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3.5K Axles - 10" - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased

(1835)

$105.75

Demco Hydraulic Drum Brake Assembly - Free Backing - Galvanized - 10" - Right Hand - 3,500 lbs

(182)

$75.46

Demco Hydraulic Drum Brake Assembly - Free Backing - Galvanized - 10" - Left Hand - 3,500 lbs

(182)

$96.73

Question:

I have a recently purchased loadrite model 21t4000s boat trailer. The hydraulic brakes were removed by a previous owner and no brakes are installed. I want to switch to electric brakes. The plate says 2600lb axles with a gvwr of 5200lbs. Is it ok to use brakes for a 3500 lb axle? Ill have to buy the brake kit, drums, and new coupler to be legal.

asked by: David M

Expert Reply:

The 2,600 lb axles on your Load Rite boat trailer are likely de-rated 3,500 lb axles, so you should have no problem using 3,500 lb brakes and drums. The important factor to consider in this situation is that the brakes match the brake mounting flange on your axle and that the hubs/drums match your spindles.

Almost all 3,500 lb brake assemblies require a 4-bolt brake mounting flange. The bolt holes on the brake mounting flange should be 2-7/8 inches apart on center. If your brake mounting flange has this bolt hole measurement, then you could use any of the 3,500 lb brake assemblies that we offer. I have attached a link to them for you to compare. Since you will be using these on a boat trailer, I would recommend looking at the Galvanized 10 Inch Marine Brake Assemblies, # 40715 for right hand and # 40716 for left hand, that has galvanized backing plates and stainless steel spring hardware for superior rust resistance.

Next, we will need to determine which hubs and drums will work for you. There are a few ways that this can be done. The easiest way is to remove your current hubs and get the part numbers of the bearings and grease seal. The part numbers will be stamped into the metal of the bearings and the rubber of the grease seal. I have attached a photo showing where the part numbers will be located.

The etrailer Hub and Drum, # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K, that you referenced uses inner bearing, # L68149, outer bearing, # L44649, and grease seal # 10-19. If the part numbers of your bearings and seal do not match, let me know and I will help select the correct parts for you.

If you cannot locate the part numbers of the bearings and seal, you can use a precise measuring tool, such as a digital caliper, to take a few measurements on your spindle. The photo that I have attached shows where to measure on your spindle for the bearings and seal. If you want to send me the measurements that you find, I can help select the correct items for you.

Another factor to consider is the bolt pattern of the hub. The bolt pattern of this hub is 5 on 4-1/2 inches. If the bolt pattern of your current hubs is different, let me know and I can see what options we have available. I have attached a help article on how to determine your wheel bolt pattern that you may find useful for this.