Parts Needed to Add Electric Brakes to 2020 Karavan Utility Trailer

Updated 05/09/2022 | Published 05/06/2022

Products Featured in This Question

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

(1629)

$205.90

12 Gauge Wire - Black Primary - Per Foot

(30)

$2.01

Hopkins Engager Trailer Breakaway Kit w/ Charger, LED Tester, Hardware, and 5 Ah Battery - Top Load

(747)

$72.04

Trailer Wiring Junction Box - 7 Color Coded Terminals - ABS

(538)

$12.02

Brake Mounting Flange for 2-3/8" Round Axle

(25)

$25.51

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

(1224)

$88.86

Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connector - 12-10 Gauge - Nylon Insulation - Yellow - Qty 10

(1104)

$12.85

Hopkins 7-Way RV Style Connector with Molded Cable - Trailer End - 8' Long - RV Standard

(925)

$46.90

4" Carbon Fiber Digital Caliper

(26)

$12.46

Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller - Dash Knob - Off-Road Mode - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional

(1676)

$290.00

Question:

I have a 2020 Karavan utility trailer and I want to upgrade to electric brakes to reduce the wear and tare of my truck. Can you please recommend everything needed to make the upgrade.

asked by: Victor S

Expert Reply:

The first thing you will need to do in order to add brakes to your 2020 Karavan utility trailer is make sure you have a brake mounting flange. If you don't, you will need to take it to an axle shop and have a mounting flange installed. This will require identifying your axle. For example, if you have a 3,500 lb axle you would need the Brake Mounting Flange for 2-3/8" Round Axle # 4-35.

If you do have a brake mounting flange, or you have one installed, the next thing you will need to do is add hubs and drums. The correct hub and drum assembly will again depend on your axle capacity as well as the bearings you have. If you can't find any information on your bearings you will need to measure the inner diameter. I recommend using a digital caliper like the # PTW80157.

Once you have the bearing information you will be able to choose the correct hub and drum assembly. You will also want this to match your current wheel bolt pattern. For example, if you found that you have the typical 3,500 lb wheel bearings and need a 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern you could use the # AKHD-545-35-K. These would then be compatible with the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Kit # 23-468-469 you were looking at.

If you have a different size drum you would need to choose a brake assembly that matches. In the example I used, the hub and drum assembly works with 10" brake assemblies. This will vary depending on the capacity.

In order to add the additional wiring to your trailer you can use the Hopkins 7-Way RV Style Connector with Molded Cable # H20046 which will require you to cut off your old 4-way connector and then use the Trailer Wiring Junction Box # 3375601101 for a clean connection to your new 7-way connector. You will also need to run # 12-1-1 from the junction box to your electric trailer brakes. It is a good idea to use Heat Shrink Butt Connectors # DW05745-10 to keep the wiring sealed from the elements.

For a breakaway you can use the Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit with Built-In Battery Charger - Top Load # 20400. Then the last thing you will need is a brake controller like the # RED44FR. Depending on your vehicle there may be a custom wiring harness available to connect the brake controller.

I have attached some installation videos along with a helpful article on what you need to install electric brakes for your reference.