Does Trailer Need New Hub/Drums When Switching From Hydraulic to Electric Brakes
Question:
I have a 1.5 military trailer that has surge brakes. I want to change it over to electric brakes .Is there a way to just change backing plate and shoe assembly without changing hubs?
asked by: Paul B
Expert Reply:
Pretty much all hub and drum systems are compatible with both electric and hydraulic brake systems. If you can give me some photos and/or information about the axle weight rating, hub inner diameter, and brake mounting bolt pattern I'd be happy to help you find the correct replacement electric brake kit for your trailer!
Attached is a helpful article on adding electric brakes so you can familiarize yourself with the process, and then it's also worth noting that you'll likely want to swap out your hub bearings and seals since you'll be removing the hub to replace the brakes. These inner pieces wear out over time so unless that's been done recently it would make sure sense to take care of it now rather than do it another time after you've reinstalled the whole system.
Let me know what your bearing and seal part numbers are (or at least the dimensions of your spindle) and I can make a replacement bearing kit recommendation for you.

Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha POD Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 2 Axles - Time Delayed
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Time Delayed Controller
- Electric
- Plug-In
- Under-Dash Box
- Under-Dash
- Up to 2 Axles
- Indicator Lights
- Single Trailer Only
- Tekonsha
more information >
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Paul B.
3/4/2024
Ok thanks for reply. . I just got this trailer and previous owner took off the origional wheels and replaced them with chrome wheels with big tires. He said it has wheel adapters on it. So I'd have to take things apart to get that information. And I'm using it to much to do that. .I thought maybe they knew what axle it took. Anyway I can't disassemble it right now. I'm to busy to do it for posable months. I'm just going to order parts to try and repair serge brake for now. It has one broken line and one Pinched line. . I will get back in touch asap. Thanks.