Parts Needed to Add Trailer Brakes to a Coleman Redwood Pop-Up Camper

Updated 09/21/2009 | Published 09/20/2009

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Hydraulic Drum Brake Assembly - Uni-Servo - 10" - Left Hand - 3,500 lbs

(17)

$124.55

Pollak Black Plastic, 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector - Trailer End

(724)

$8.44

Question:

Hi, I have Coleman Redwood pop up camper, GVWR 2290, Tire 5.30x12, it has a plate to attach brakes and wiring, but no drum or brakes. I need to know what parts everythingdo I need to buy to install brakes on this camper. I never installed trailer brakes, but I am handy. Thank you,

asked by: Kenan N

Expert Reply:

The first step is to determine what size drum hub you need. You will first measure the bolt pattern of the lugs on your current hubs. I have included a link to a page that will show you how to measure this. If you give me the part number of the hubs, I could probably find out the bearing and seal numbers. You could also pull the hubs apart and get the bearing and seal numbers off of the old ones. I will include a video link about replacing bearings and seals. You will need to do this anyway when you install the hub drums. It is a very good idea to replace bearings and seals when you are switching to a brake setup. I will include a link to a page with all the hub drums we carry.

Once you have figured out what size hub drum you need, it is time to find the brake assembly for that size hub. Trailer brake set ups come in 3 typical sizes with a handful of oddball ones. In general, the hub drum that fits your wheels and spindles is either a 7, 10, or 12 inch size. Since you are towing a camper, I would use electric brakes. Hydraulic brakes are usually used on boat trailers where the wheels enter the water at the launch ramp. I will include a link to all our electric brake assemblies.

Once you have your hub and brakes set up, it is time to tackle wiring. You will need to re-wire your trailer to include the brakes. You will take your existing trailer wires and the new brake wires and bring them all into a 7 way connector, like part # PK12706.

The wiring for the tow vehicle gets a little more tricky depending on what vehicle it is. We have the parts to cover almost any vehicle, but if you write back with the year, make and model of the vehicle you tow the camper with, I can help you find out what wiring components you will need.

The final step is a brake controller. This device mounts on the underside of the dash in your vehicle and controls the brakes on your trailer. There are a lot of options available, and I will link you to the page with all the controllers we carry. The Tekonsha Prodigy P2, part # 90885, is one of our best selling brake controllers. It is simple to install and use and works very well. Again, depending on the vehicle, the installation can be as simple as two screws and one wire connector.

expert reply by: Patrick B