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Parts Needed To Add Brakes To A 2023 Homesteader 6' x 12' Enclosed Trailer  

Updated 11/17/2025 | Published 12/03/2024



Question:

Hi! I’m in the market to install electric brakes on my trailer that currently does not have any. It is a 2023 Homesteader 6x12 enclosed trailer single axle. It is a Dexter axle believe it’s a 3500 pound axle. The axle tag has a number that says “10136/4”. I was hoping a representative could link me everything I need to complete the job. Thanks!

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Expert Reply:

Hey Dillon,

The part number you gave me unfortunately doesn't come back to anything I can look up but I can still list out what you'd need to add brakes to your trailer. The first thing you'll want to check is if your axles have a brake mounting flange for the assemblies to bolt to. If it doesn't have one you'll need to either have one welded to each spindle or have the axles replaced. Because these require a specific jig to weld onto the axle it's typically more expensive to weld on a flange than it is to just replace the axle.

From there you'll need to determine the axle capacity. If your axle tag doesn't list the capacity then you can measure the axle tube to get an idea of its capacity. If you find it's 2-3/8" in diameter then it's most likely rated for 3,500lbs. If you do have a 3,500lb axle then you can go with either the etrailer # AKEBRK-35 (manual adjust) or the etrailer # AKEBRK-35-SA (self-adjusting).

I'm assuming you have idler hubs currently so you'll also need to check your hubs for the bearing and grease seal part numbers or just measure the spindle at points B, C, and D with a caliper # PTW80157 to see what the inner diameters are and I can see which hub/drum assembly will fit.

Next you'll need to swap out the 4-pole wire harness on your trailer for a 7-way and junction box, like part # e99011. You'll need 10 gauge wire # 10-1-1 to run from the junction box back to the brake assemblies and heat shrink butt connectors # DW05745-10 to make your connections waterproof. You'll also legally need to install a breakaway battery and switch, I recommend the Bright Way Trailer Breakaway Kit # 3802346. This will come with a 5 Ah Battery, LED tester to check the battery, and a charger all built into one compact package that can be side mounted to your trailer frame.

Your tow vehicle is going to need a 7-way connector and brake controller in order to connect to the new trailer plug and actuate the brake assemblies. If you don't already have both of these then just let me know the year/make/model of your vehicle and I'd be happy to make some recommendations for you. I've also attached a link below to a more extensive guide to for adding brakes to your trailer if you'd like to check that out as well.

expert reply by:
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Kevin C
Spindle diagram
Spindle diagram
(click to enlarge)
Jon G. profile picture

Jon G.

11/17/2025

Hey Dillon, were you able to check if your trailer axle has the brake mounting flanges or measure the axle tube for its capacity? Once you confirmed those details, did the brake and wiring setup come together like you hoped? Your update could make it easier for others adding brakes to a similar trailer.

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