What do I Need to Go from Electric Brakes from Hydraulic with Surge Brake Actuator?  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hello Jeffrey,

Thanks for writing in.

Just as long as your current hubs are in good condition, you will be able to use them with electric brakes as well, as long as they are standard 7" brake drums with the correct 4-bolt mounting flange (which is typical for a 2K to 2.2K axle).

I see you were looking at the Dexter Electric Trailer Brakes - Parking Brake Ready - 7" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 2.2K # K23-103-104-00. These are a great option if you want a parking brake feature. If you do not need the parking brake, I would go with the Dexter Electric Trailer Brakes - 7" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 2,000 lbs to 2,200 lbs # 23-47-48.

If you are wanting to retain a parking brake function, Dexter does offer the Dexter Parking Brake Kit with Breakaway for Hydraulic Drum Brakes # T2385200. However, since this kit is designed for hydraulic setups, it would require some modification to the cable ends to work with an electric brake configuration. I did confirm with Dexter that this is currently their only parking brake solution, as they do not offer a dedicated kit for electric drum brakes.

You will be removing the surge actuator coupler. In its place, you can install a standard trailer coupler that matches your trailer tongue style, such as a straight-tongue or A-frame coupler depending on your setup. These are very common and designed to bolt onto standard trailer tongues and match your hitch ball size and weight capacity. For example, the Fulton Fas-Lok Straight-Tongue Coupler - 2" Ball - 2,000 lbs # F222000301 or the A-Frame Trailer Coupler - 2" Ball - 3,500 lbs # CA-5100-Z.

You will also be removing the hydraulic components like the brake lines. In their place, you'll need to run new wiring for the electric brake system. For that, I recommend using 10 gauge wire like the Jacketed 2 Wire (Brake Wire) - 10 Gauge - per Foot # 10-2-1, which is sold by the foot. You will want to measure the length you need for your trailer, and I always recommend adding an extra 2 feet to account for any routing mistakes or adjustments during installation. You will also want to use heat shrink butt connectors such as # DW05745-10 to make secure, weather-resistant connections.

You will also want to make sure your trailer has a 7-way connector to supply power to the brakes. A great all-in-one option is the etrailer Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit w/ Junction Box and RV Style Connector # e99011, which gives you a clean junction point for all your wiring connections.

Lastly, do not forget you will need a brake controller installed in your tow vehicle to operate the electric brakes, such as the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Universal Wiring Harness - Dash Knob - Proportional # RED52VR. If you could please provide the year, make, and model of your tow vehicle, I would be happy to see if we have a vehicle-specific pigtail available to make the installation much easier.

I also included a help article about adding electric brakes.

Where do you mainly take your Jayco to go camping, are you more of a backwoods quiet camper, or prefer the fun of meeting new friends at the campground?

expert reply by: Kate F

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Junction Box Wired Up
(click to enlarge)