Parts Needed To Add Electric Drum Brakes To A Trailer
Updated 01/19/2026 | Published 07/30/2024
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Hey I have a trailer with an older walking axle with for tires. Seems like it has ag spindles with bearings 25580 and LM67048. The hubs have six lug bolt x 6” which i have found to be heavier duty for AG style hubs. I wanted to add electric brakes to the trailer and wondered if I had to find a brake system with matching bearings or since I would be added all new hubs that would not matter? Also does it matter 6lug vs. 8 Lug?
asked by: Jamie
Expert Reply:
Hi Jamie,
You would need to find a hub and drum with matching bearings and grease seals to fit the spindle on the trailer axle and a the correct capacity brake assemblies compared to the capacity of the axle. The more wheel studs there ae the higher capacity the hub is, but you'll want to stick with the same bolt pattern you currently have unless you're wanting to replace the wheels as well.
We have two options to choose from depending on the inner diameter of your grease seal. If you want to measure the point B from the diagram below on your spindle with a caliper # PTW80157 we can confirm which is the right fit. If your grease seal inner diameter is 2.125" then you can use the # 8-201-5UC3. If it's 2.25" then you'll want the # K08-201-97 instead. These both come with a 6 on 5-1/2 bolt pattern so you'll want to check what your current wheel bolt pattern is to see if the wheels will still mate up.
For the brake assemblies you can use the etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes # AKEBRK-7-SA for self-adjusting brakes or # AKEBRK-6 if you're fine with adjusting your brake shoes regularly. You'll also need to have a breakaway battery and switch # 50-85-313 to remain street legal. You'll also need to have a 7-way and junction box # e99011 to have an extra pin for the brake signal. You'll need to use 10AWG wire # 10-1-1 to run from that junction box to the brake assemblies. I'd also pick up some heat shrink butt connectors # DW05745-10 to waterproof your connections.
The final component you'll need is a trailer brake controller to activate the brakes. If you don't have one then let me know the year, make, model of the vehicle and I'd be happy to make a recommendation.
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Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 7K E-Z Lube Axle - 8 on 6-1/2 - Pre-Greased - 1/2" Stud
- Trailer Hubs and Drums
- Hub with Drum
- EZ Lube
- Pre-Greased
- 25580 / 14125A
- Standard Grade
- For 5200 lbs Axles
- For 6000 lbs Axles
- For 7000 lbs Axles
- 1/2 Inch Stud
- 8 on 6-1/2 Inch
- 16 Inch Wheel
- 16-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 17 Inch Wheel
- 17-1/2 Inch Wheel
- Dexter
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Jesse M.
1/19/2026
Hey Jamie, how did things go with adding the electric brakes to your trailer’s walking axle? Were you able to match the right hub and drum based on your spindle and grease seal measurements? Your update could make it easier for others working on older ag-style trailers.