Parts Needed To Add Electric Drum Brakes To A U-Haul Tow Dolly

Published 03/25/2024

Question:

I bought a used tow dolly from u-haul and I want to add electric brakes to it. Can you advise me on which kit I would need?

asked by: Lee G

Expert Reply:

Hi Lee,

To add brakes to your tow dolly you'll first need to see if there's a brake flange welded to the axle for the brake assemblies to mount to. If not then you'll be replacing the entire axle with one that has a mounting flange. From there you'll need to know your bearing and grease seal sizes so that we can find the correct hub/drum kit to fit the spindle and bolt pattern of the wheels.

Next you'll need to install a 7-pole trailer harness, breakaway battery, breakaway switch, and a junction box. You'll have to run 10AWG wires from the junction box to the brake assemblies and will also need to install a brake controller in your tow vehicle.

This is going to be quite a bit of work and require quite a few parts. If you're still interested then let me know what your bearing/grease seal combination is and the bolt pattern for the wheels and I can start looking for all the parts you'll need.

expert reply by: Kevin C