Parts Needed to Add Brakes to 1960's Homemade Camper

Updated 11/29/2023 | Published 11/28/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension - Standard Duty - No Drop - 4 Bolt Flange - 2,000 lbs

(121)

$753.71

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(103)

$1.80

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

(743)

$73.02

Trailer Wiring Junction Box - 7 Color Coded Terminals - ABS

(515)

$9.60

etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K

(2934)

$160.16

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

(1634)

$91.33

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

(918)

$46.90

Question:

I am trying to find a way to ultimately put brakes on my vintage camper. The current axel is 65 in. face to face and 51 in. spring to spring . There are no markings on the hubs , which have 3/4 in. outer bearings and 1 1/4 in. inner bearings, and left hand threads on the left hub. The camper was homemade around 1960. Prior to that it could have been ???. the axel is 1 .75 in. diameter, and built in three distinct sections welded together. Based on the above information , I am guessing that replacing everything is the best option . Any advice on how to get brakes on a 2000k axel with 65 in. face to face . Thanks for your time and consideration.

asked by: Tom W

Expert Reply:

Based on what you have described a replacement axle is definitely the best option. However, we do not have an axle that matches your hub face measurement. You can have a custom axle made, or you can use the Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension # ASR2000S02.

The Timbren system fits any trailer width so matching up your hub face and spring center measurements won't be a concern. It will also replace your existing leaf springs. This uses a 3,500 lb axle bearing combination so you can use the Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K along with the Electric Trailer Brake Kit # AKEBRK-35-SA.

Since you don't have existing brakes you will need to add a 7-way like the # H20046. I recommend adding a junction box like the # 3375601101. If you already have a 7-way you can use # 10-1-1 to run wire to your brakes. You will also need to add a breakaway kit like the Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit with Built-In Battery Charger # 20400.

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