What Info is Needed to Add Brakes to a Trailer or Replace Axle

Published 12/29/2023

Question:

I have a single-axle 1983 ez-loader boat trailer with a loaded weight around 2500#. Im considering downsizing to a smaller vehicle for towing, in which case I would want to install electric brakes. Id probably prefer to do a full pre-assembled axle swap to make it faster, but, if possible, I could also retrofit a standalone brake system. The VIN for the trailer is 1ZE1RMT11EN011859. Any chance you could recommend a list of compatible parts for both an axle swap and a retrofit install?

asked by: Seth F

Expert Reply:

We don't have the ability to know exactly what your trailer would require in terms of braking components or a replacement axle. You'd need to check out the axle to determine it's capacity for the braking components but due to age it may have components that aren't used any longer so to verify you'd need to pull the hubs off and get the diameter of the spindles where the bearings ride or the bearing numbers. We'd also need the wheel bolt pattern.

For axle replacement you'd need to know the axle capacity, the distance from hub face to hub face, and the distance between the spring seat centers. I attached a link to this page that has all of the trailer axles we carry as well as a link to a page that covers how to add brakes to a trailer.

expert reply by: Jameson C