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What Parts Are Needed For Adding Brakes To A Tow Dolly?  

Updated 02/04/2026 | Published 07/25/2024

Question:

I own a Uhaul tow dolly. Is there a kit that I could install brakes on to this unit? Do you sell such a kit? There is currently no brakes on this trailer. As I am sure your aware of , its identical to the Demco tow dolly trailers . Thanks Chuck Kozler

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Expert Reply:

Hello Chuck. I can definitely provide some helpful information for you, but there is no kit for adding brakes to a tow dolly.

To add brakes to your Uhaul tow dolly you will first need to check and see if there is a brake flange welded to the axle for the brake assemblies to mount to. If no brake flange is present, you will need to have them welded on, or you will have to replace the entire axle with one that has a brake flange.

From there you will need to determine the bearing sizes for your axle, so we can determine the correct brake assemblies and hubs. We also need to know the bolt pattern for your hub and wheel so we can try to match.

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.

In all honesty, this kind of job is a lot of work, and depending on your tow dolly, it may not even be possible. If you are still wanting to look into it, let me know your axle bearing sizes, seal size and hub bolt pattern and I am happy to recommend parts.

expert reply by:
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Jesse M
Jesse M. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Jesse M.

2/3/2026

Hey Chuck, did you get a chance to check your tow dolly’s axle for a brake flange or measure the bearing sizes and bolt pattern? Once you have that info, I can help you find the right brake parts. Let me know what you find so we can narrow it down.

Chuck K. profile picture

Chuck K.

2/3/2026

@JesseM The bearing on the trailer is exactly the same hub and bearing as the demco tow dolly. The uhaul trailer is have doesn't have backing bracket to mount calipers.
Jesse M. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Jesse M.

2/4/2026

@ChuckK Ah yea without the brake flange that makes things tough. They can be added but they would have to be professionally welded on by an axle shop. The angle of the brake flange has to be super precise to the spindle of it'll cause braking issues. A lot of times we recommend simply replacing the axle with one that is brake-ready, but that can open a whole new can of worms. If you want to look into it, I am happy to go over things just let me know!

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