Parts Needed to Add Electric Brakes to Trailer With 12,000 Pound Air Brakes

Updated 05/18/2022 | Published 05/17/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Brake Mounting Flange for 3" Round Axle

(33)

$45.13

12 Gauge Wire - Black Primary - Per Foot

(30)

$2.01

Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes - 12" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 6K

(1627)

$218.87

Trailer Wiring Junction Box - 7 Color Coded Terminals - ABS

(535)

$11.87

Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 5,200-lb and 6,000-lb Axles - 6 on 5-1/2 - Pre Greased

(1075)

$289.68

Dexter Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 12,000-lb Axles - 8 on 6-1/2 - Oil Bath

(54)

$506.70

etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes w/ Dust Shields - Self-Adjusting - 12-1/4" - Left/Right - 12K

(331)

$434.62

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

(1104)

$13.81

Dexter Trailer Brake Drum for 12,000-lb and 15,000-lb Axles - 12-1/4" x 5" - 8 on 6-1/2

(6)

$480.92

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

(925)

$46.90

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

(1676)

$290.00

Question:

Have a trailer with 12k air brakes but the axels have no mounting flange for electrical brakes it’s dexer axels do I have the axels machined and change the spindles and add flanges

asked by: Jeff L

Expert Reply:

More than likely you will be able to just add a brake flange and won't need to swap out the spindles. If by 12k air brakes you mean you have tandem 6,000 lb axles then you could use the Brake Mounting Flange for 3" Round Axle # 4-44-1. You will want to take this to an axle shop for installation since they will need the proper equipment to mount it. If you actually have 12,000 lb axles then we do not have a brake flange or spindle/brake flange that large. If you can't find either then your only choice may be axle replacement.

Your existing hubs and drums should work with the electric brakes, but if you need a replacement you can use the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum # 8-201-9UC3-EZ along with the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Kit # 23-458-459 for 6k axles. For 12k axles you would need the Dexter Trailer Idler Hub Assembly # 8-214-8UC1, the Dexter Trailer Brake Drum # DX34XR, and the Electric Trailer Brake Kit w/ Dust Shields - Self-Adjusting # AKEBRK-12.

If you need to add a 7-way you can use the Hopkins 7-Way RV Style Connector with Molded Cable # H20046 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.

If you don't already have a brake controller I recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller # RED44FR. Depending on your vehicle there may be a custom wiring harness for a plug and play installation.

I have attached some review and installation videos along with a helpful article on adding electric brakes for your reference.