Parts Needed To Add Electric Drum Brakes To A Pontoon Trailer

Updated 05/01/2024 | Published 04/22/2024

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Rubber Hitch Cover for 2" Trailer Hitches - Qty 1

(3291)

$15.91

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(102)

$1.77

Bright Way Trailer Breakaway Kit with Switch and 0.5-Amp Charger

(61)

$29.72

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

(1065)

$12.75

Question:

We are considering adding brakes to our pontoon trailer so it is safer to pull with our SUV. It is single axle trailer that currently has no brakes. I am leaning towards electric brakes but would like a professional opinion. Please let me know what information you need from me. Thank you Jeremy

asked by: Jeremy P

Expert Reply:

Hey Jeremy,

Typically with boat trailers the manufacturer will install hydraulic surge brakes because you don't have to worry about the water damaging wires like you would with electric brakes. That being said, if you use a heat shrink butt connector # DW05745-10 you'll be able to protect your electrical connections and shouldn't have a problem.

To add brakes you'll need to check the axle/spindle to see if you have a brake mounting flange. If you don't then you'll have to buy new axles that do have them. Next you'll need to check your bearing and grease seals for part numbers or measure the spindle at points B, C, and D on the diagram to determine the inner diameters for each component. We'll also need to know the axle capacity and wheel bolt pattern. Once we have this info we can find the right brake assemblies and hub/drum assemblies to fit the spindle as well as the wheels.

From there you'll need a breakaway battery and switch like the Brightway # 3802336 and a brake controller in the SUV to activate the brakes. I can help find the right brake controller if you can tell me the year/make/model of the vehicle. You'll also need to install a junction box and 7-way # 277-000141. You also need some 10AWG wire # 10-1-1 to make your connection between the brake assemblies and junction box.

When launching or recovering the boat you'll want to disconnect the trailer connector from the tow vehicle just as an extra precaution to prevent any damage to the electrical components of the trailer.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Spindle Measurement Guide
(click to enlarge)

Measuring For Wheel Bolt Pattern
(click to enlarge)

Jeremy P.

4/24/2024

Hi Kevin, The Axle has a 4-hole brake mounting flange on each end with a 2.8" bolt pattern. B= 1.72" C= 1.375" D= 1.06" The axle capacity is 3500 pounds. The wheel bolt pattern is 5 on 4.5". The SUV is a 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring. I was doing a bit of reading and if possible, I would like a controller with the ability to plug it in without splicing and one that has the ability to apply the trailer brakes manually from the driver's seat like in a pickup truck. Thank you Jeremy

Kevin C.

4/24/2024

@JeremyP Hub/drums: Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly # AKHD-545-35-G-K or part # AKHD-545-35-G-EZ-K if you have easy lube spindles. You'll still want to pick up a tub of marine grease # L74FR and lube up the spindle and pack your bearings as well. These are galvanized to help prevent corrosion since you'll be in and out of water. You'll need two assemblies per axle. Brake Assemblies: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes # AKEBRK-35-SA. These are self-adjusting brakes so once you have them initially bedded you won't have to get under the trailer and adjust them again. This will come with two assemblies, left and right, so you'll only need one kit per axle. Brake Controller: If your Ascent has a factory tow package you'll be able to use an adapter to plug in your brake controller without having to splice into the vehicle wiring. If this is the case for you then I recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller # RED24FR along with the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter # 3062-P. This brake controller has the smallest footprint on the market and will provide you with an easy to use dial that you can also press in to manually activate the brakes. If you don't have the tow package then I still recommend the Redarc Liberty but you'll have to get the universal wire harness # RED69FR and splice into your factory wiring. If you have to go this route you'll also need a 30 amp circuit breaker # 331-CBK30-EB for the black power wire you'll run to the battery.

Helpful Links

tv-review-etrailer-hub-and-drum-assembly-akhd-545-35-g-k.aspx

tv-review-redarc-tow-pro-liberty-trailer-brake-controller-red24fr.aspx

Jeremy P.

4/24/2024

@KevinC Thank you, order placed. Jeremy

Jeremy P.

4/30/2024

@KevinC is the black plastic end on the 3062-P wiring harness supposed to plug into the black plastic end on the RedArc Brake Controller? The end on the wire looks to be about half the size or less than it needs to be.