Parts Needed to Convert Mechanical Brakes W/ Electric Brakes
Updated 02/27/2025 | Published 02/24/2025
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Hello friends, I have a trailer camper equipped with Knott mechanical brakes, and I would like to replace them with electric brakes, which I plan to connect to my 2023 RAM 1500. My truck already has an electric brake controller and a dedicated trailer socket. My trailer weighs around 3 tons, has a single axle with independent suspension for both wheels, and is used in off-road conditions with heavy loads on the wheel hubs. Therefore, I cannot install weak versions of the brakes. I would like to upgrade only the braking system without replacing the entire hub assembly. Currently, I have the KNOTT Brake Hub 300 model https://www.knott-trailer-shop.com/brake_hub_300.html. Would you be able to assist me with this? Looking forward to your response! Best regards, Mike
asked by: Mike
Expert Reply:
Mike, to swap out your mechanical brakes to electric brakes you're going to need to change out the brakes, hubs, and add a brake controller, but since you already have one integrated you can skip this part.
For new brake assemblies and hubs, you can use the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 5,200-lb Axles # 8-201-5UC3 and the etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - 12" # AKEBRK-6.
The last thing you're going to need to do is lock out your current coupler because it likely has an actuating coupler, and it no longer needs to be actuated.
If you have any other questions or need something else, please feel free to drop a comment and let me know!
Mike
2/27/2025
Can I keep my hub, axle, and brake drum, and only replace the brake shoe actuation mechanism? I would like to use an electric actuator
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Rubber Hitch Cover for 2" Trailer Hitches - Qty 1
- Hitch Covers
- Misc Covers
- Plain
- Rubber
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Standard
- Square
- etrailer
more information >
Continue Researching
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - 12" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 5,200 lbs to 7,000 lbs
- Shop: Hopkins 7-Way RV Style Connector with Molded Cable - Trailer End - 8' Long - RV Standard
- Shop: Grease Cap for Nev-R-Lube Hubs - 3.355" Outer Diameter - Single Lip
- Shop: Grease Cap, 2.72" OD Drive In with Plug - Qty 2
- Shop: Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Right Hand - 7,000 lbs
- Shop: Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit for Tandem-Axle Trailers - 1-3/4" Wide Double Eye Springs
- Shop: Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Left Hand - 7,000 lbs
- Video: In-Depth Review of the Buyers Products Straight Tongue Trailer Coupler
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: red69fr
- Search Results: brake controller
- Q&A: Trouble Shooting Trailer Brakes that are Locking Up
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Tandem Axle Trailer with Electric Drum Brakes That Has One Hub Running Hot
- Search Results: bearing lm67048 and 25580 trailer bearings races seals caps
- Search Results: bearing 14125a trailer bearings races seals caps
- Search Results: bearing lm67048 trailer bearings races seals caps
- Video: Breaking Down the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 5,200-lb Axles
- Q&A: Trailer Brake Shoe Orientation - Larger Pad Toward Front or Rear?
- Q&A: Replacement Hub & Drum Assembly for Dexter 5,200 lb. Axle
- Q&A: Replacement Hub and Drum With 25580 Inner Bearing and LM67048 Outer Bearing
- Video: A Closer Look at the 7-Piece Installation Set for Bearings, Races, and Seals
- Video: Dexter Electric Trailer Brakes: The Breakdown
- Video: Let’s Check Out the Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing
- Video: Comprehensive Review: Dexter Electric Trailer Brakes
- Video: Complete Breakdown of the Dexter Electric Trailer Brakes
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: Will The Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Brake Controller Work On A 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Series II Obsidian?
- Q&A: What Kodiak Disc Brake Kit will Replace My Brake Set-Up with Slip On Rotor Stamped 46247?
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
on Hitch Covers
Mike
2/27/2025
Thank you for your reply, but I’m not entirely sure I understand. You are offering me two options: in the first option, to replace the mechanical brakes with hydraulic ones. And in the second option, to replace the brake hubs and discs entirely with a different set, correct? Is there any possibility to modify the existing hubs and brake drums to work with electric brakes? Since I have a heavy trailer, I would like all parts related to the hub to be as robust as possible, just like they are now.