Can Trailer Air Brakes Work with an Electric Brake Controller

Updated 11/28/2024 | Published 11/27/2024

Question:

HELLO, I AM LOOKING FOR AN ELECTRIC OVER AIR CONTROLLER SYSTEM. I HAVE A GMC 3500 TRUCK WITH NORMAL BRAKES AND I AM PULLING A 40FT TRAILER WITH AIR BRAKES FROM CA TO TN. I WOULD PREFER TO HAVE A WAY TO USE THE AIR BRAKES ON THE TRAILER VERSUS CAGING THEM. TY IN ADVANCE FOR ANY HELP AND DIRECTION YOU CAN GIVE!

asked by: Anthony R

Expert Reply:

Hey Anthony,

Here at etrailer we have a controller or two that will do the opposite (take the air system from a tow vehicle and make it work with electric trailer brakes), but we don't have any controllers that will work with air brakes on the trailer.

What I recommend doing is reaching out to your local trailer shop to see if that's something they can acquire. Aside from that, the only other solution I can offer is to help you swap out your entire brake system on your trailer to something that we carry.

expert reply by: Jon G

Anthony

11/27/2024

THANKS FOR GETTING BACK WITH ME JOHN. IF I DID DECIDE TO SWAP AIR FOR SOMETHING ELSE, WHAT WOULD YOUI RECCOMEND. THE TRAILER HAS (2) 12K LB DUAL WHEEL AXLES, BOTH HAVE AIR BRAKES. TRAILER IS 8X40FT LONG AND A GVWR OF 25,900LB. TY SIR

Jon G.

11/27/2024

@Anthony I recommend swapping them out to electric brakes just because they require less maintenance and are just easier in general when compared to hydraulic brakes. We have the 12K Self-Adjusting Brake Kit # AKEBRK-12 that fits your 12K axles, and then you'll also need 10 Gauge Wiring # 10-1-1 to run from the 7-Way on your trailer back to each set of brakes, and a breakaway kit # 20400. I'm also linking a helpful article on adding electric brakes to a trailer for you to check out.

Helpful Links

faq-adding-electric-drum-brakes.aspx

Anthony

11/27/2024

@JonG. Ok, thank you. In addition to the 3 part numbers you provided (12k electric brake drum kit x 2 for 2 axles, 10GA wire, and break away kit, what mounting hardware will I need to complete the assembly and installation? I need to order all of the components as soon as possible and get them shipped to California next week. Thank you Jon

Jon G.

11/28/2024

@Anthony To install the brakes you'll need the Mounting Hardware Kit # BRKH122510. You'll use self-tapping screws for the breakaway kit.