Can I Add Electric Brakes To A 2023 Aluma 7712H Trailer With A 3,500 lb Axle?

Updated 06/11/2026 | Published 06/09/2026

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3,500 lbs

(752)

$125.31

Deka Jacketed 2 Wire, 10 Gauge, Brake Wire - per Foot

(330)

$3.96

Bright Way Push-to-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit with 1-Amp Charger and 5 Ah Battery - Top Load

(213)

$62.68

Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3.5K Axles - 10" - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased

(1861)

$105.91

etrailer Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit w/ Junction Box and RV Style Connector

(423)

$62.99

7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 12 Gauge Wires

(375)

$88.84

Question:

I have an 2023 Aluma 7712H. 3500 axle derated to 2990. It came from the factory without brakes. Id like to add electric brakes. What kit would fit this model? Also, considering a 2026 RAV4 Woodland. What kit would convert the factory 4 pin to a 7? I already have a Curt bluetooth controller. Thanks!

asked by: Eric M

Expert Reply:

Hey Eric, thanks for reaching out. The etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes # AKEBRK-35 are correct for a 3,500 lb axle, but first we'll need to make sure your axle is equipped with a brake mounting flange. That will be a square mounting plate with 4 holes welded to the base of the spindle.

If no brake flange is present, they can be welded on by an axle shop, or the axle can be replaced with one that is brake-ready. If the brake flange is present, brakes can be added pretty easily. You'll need the brake assemblies, new hub/drums, breakaway kit and a 7-way harness for the trailer. Here is what I recommend for that:

- etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3,500 lbs # AKEBRK-35

- Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3.5K Axles - 10" - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K

- Bright Way Push-to-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit with 1-Amp Charger and 5 Ah Battery - Top Load # 3802308

- etrailer Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit w/ Junction Box and RV Style Connector # e99011

- Deka Jacketed 2 Wire, 10 Gauge, Brake Wire - per Foot # 10-2-1 (sold by the foot)

We have a help article that goes over how to add electric drum brakes to a trailer, and I've linked that for you below.

As far as your RAV4, we do have a kit for upgrading the 4-flat to a 7-way for use with a wireless brake controller like the Curt echo. Here is what you'll need:

7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 12 Gauge Wires # ETBC7L

What will you be hauling with your Aluma trailer? Any steep roads ahead?

expert reply by: Jesse M

etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3,500 lbs
(click to enlarge)

Albert

6/11/2026

The brake assembly works good but will take time to adjust it to your application.

Marcus

6/11/2026

Eric, my 28 foot Jayco came with axles and brakes just big enough to carry the trailer but my wife and I are volunteers almost 9 months out of the year in various parks and we carry a lot of stuff and after a few years of flat tires I replaced my axles with 3500 pound axles and bought a trailer brakes and installed it myself We were happy and then one day on the way to land between the lakes down to near the caves and Kentucky, we were runoff the road those brakes brought that trailer to a dead stop about 3 feet from a culvert that would’ve totaled my truck. We weren’t just happy. We were real happy and I remember I put them all myself on 3500 pound axles You can do it and you won’t be displeased.

Jesse M.

6/11/2026

@Marcus Thanks for sharing that, Marcus. It sounds like upgrading to the 3,500 lb axles and new brakes turned out to be one of the best investments you could have made. Stories like yours are a great reminder that properly functioning trailer brakes aren't just about stopping power, they're about avoiding accidents and protecting everyone on the road. I'm glad everything worked out safely, and I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.