How To Convert A Trailer With Air Brakes To Electric Brakes

Published 10/21/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Deka Jacketed 2 Wire, 10 Gauge, Brake Wire - per Foot

(323)

$3.91

Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole

(659)

$61.47

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

(2763)

$159.00

7-Way Round RV Style Trailer Connector - Trailer Side

(373)

$13.57

Question:

I have a 20 ton trailer with drum air brakes. I would like to convert it to electric disk brakes. is this possible?

asked by: Scott P

Helpful Expert Reply:

Yes, it is possible. To get started you will need a hub and drum that matches the bearing and seal on your trailer spindle and your wheel bolt pattern. Confirm this by checking the bearing part number, and seal part number.

Next, you will need left and right hand brake assemblies. To accurately find what you need, you need to know what kind of axle you currently have and it's weight capacity, you will also need to make sure the brake mounting flange bolt pattern is compatible.

Finally you will need some wiring and a 7 way connector. For the wiring you can use Deka Jacketed 2 Wire, 10 Gauge, Brake Wire # 10-2-1 to make your connections, using the white wire for ground and the black wire for power from the 7 way connector; then wire the 7 way connector # A7WCB at the front of the trailer.

To finish off the process, you will need a brake controller like the The Prodigy P2 Brake Controller # 90885, and a wiring adapter like # 37185 if you do not have a 7 way on your vehicle.