What Is Needed To Add Electric Brakes To Enclosed Cargo Trailer With Torsion Axles

Updated 05/21/2014 | Published 05/20/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left Hand - 3,500 lbs

(368)

$66.56

Dielectric Grease for Electrical Connectors, 2 oz.

(1491)

$11.28

Curt No-Drill Bracket for 6-Way or 7-Way Round Trailer Connector Mounting Bracket - Long

(315)

$39.36

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3470)

$118.67

Question:

I have a 2002 EZRider 6X12foot enclosed cargo trailer with a torsion axle utilizing 20575R15 trailer tires. This trailer does not have electric brakes and I was wondering if you sell a kit that would allow me to add electric brakes to the trailer wheels/axles?

asked by: John C

Expert Reply:

In order to add brakes to an axle that does not have brakes you will need a few things. I have attached a helpful article that explains what is needed to add electric brakes to an axle you can check out.

The first thing we need to know is the weight capacity of your axle. This can normally be found on a plate or a sticker on the axle. If you do not have a brake mounting flange on the spindles, those will have to be welded to the spindles. This should be done by a professional welder so they are concentric and square. If not, it can cause the brakes to wear unevenly and cause reduce braking performance.

You will need brake assemblies rated for the trailer gross weight when it is loaded and ready to travel. You will also need hub and drum assemblies which should be matched to the spindles, the wheel bolt pattern and the brake assembly.

There will be two wires on the brake assemblies. One will be for the ground and the other wire will need to be run to the brake feed from the trailer connector.

If you would like to send some details about the axles and information about the amount of weight you plan on carrying I can make some specific recommendations that will work for you.

For your 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser, you will need to have the 7-way connector at the rear of your vehicle. If you have a 4-way connector I recommend part # ETBC7.

In order to attach the 7-way connector to the rear of your vehicle I recommend part # C57202. This is a no-drill mounting bracket that attaches to your trailer hitch and allows you to secure your 7-way connector at the rear of your vehicle.

The brake controller I recommend is the Tekonsha P2, part # 90885. I have attached a link to a video that shows the installation of part # ETBC7 and part # 90885 on a 2008 FJ Cruiser you can check out. I have also attached a drawing that shows how the wiring is run when adding a brake controller to a vehicle.

When working with electrical connections I recommend using dielectric grease like part # 11755. This helps keep the connections free of dirt and moisture and prevents corrosion.

The 7-way trailer connector I recommend is part # H20042. I have attached a product review video for this connector.