Can I Add Brakes To A Mobile Home Axle?

Updated 12/18/2024 | Published 12/16/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Brake Mounting Flange for 3" Round Axle

(33)

$45.13

etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left/Right Hand - 5.2K to 7K

(3026)

$186.02

Question:

Hi, I have a trailer made with mobile home axles and I need to add brakes. I don’t want to change hubs as they are good and the tires on the old style rims are new. Are there any options? I can grind and am good welder. I have pics of what I have but not sure how to attach. I need 12” x 2” brakes for my hubs. Thanks

asked by: Jim R

Expert Reply:

Hey Jim, thanks for reaching out. It is possible to add brakes to an axle. For that you will need to add the Brake Mounting Flange # 4-44-1 to your axle (dimension below). This will give you the 5-bolt flange for attaching the 12” x 2” brakes like part # AKEBRK-7-SA. If you can tell me your inner and outer bearing numbers I can check and see if we have a compatible hub for you. Mobile home axles can be tricky so we definitely want to be sure all of these parts will work together correctly.

expert reply by: Jesse M

4-44-1 Dimensions
(click to enlarge)

Jim

12/16/2024

Thanks. There already is brakes on one of the axles but pieces are missing, so I have backing plates. Is there anything compatible with what I have already? The axle is 3” in diameter so is there a flange with a 3” hole? Thank

Jesse M.

12/17/2024

@Jim The Brake Mounting Flange # 4-44-1 I mentioned above is the only 5 bolt brake flange we carry. This is made specifically for use with a 3" round axle.

Jim R.

12/17/2024

@JesseM I see on 4-44-1 it says it is for 3” axles, but reading the detail (in link) it says the inner hole diameter is 2.75”. This does not make sense. My axle is really 3”, so this won’t work? That is why I asked about true 3”

Jesse M.

12/18/2024

@JimR Right so the brake flange does not go around the axle tube. It gets welded to the spindle at the base and on most 3" axles the base of the spindle is 2-3/4" diameter so you will want to check your axle and make sure this matches. Also keep in mind that brake flanges need to be welded perfectly centered on the axle. Generally this requires special equipment that only an axle shop would have.