Is There A Manual Parking Brake Kit For Travel Trailer With Electric Brakes?  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Good morning James,

Assuming you mean a parking brake and not manual override with brake controller, then yes, we have options for adding a manual parking brake to your travel trailer, although there isn't a universal kit to convert standard electric brakes.

If your existing brakes don't have a mechanical parking brake lever, you'll need to replace the brake assemblies. I've attached a picture showing what that lever looks like so you can check the back of your brakes. (you don't have to remove them to check, just check the back side of the hub/brakes)

For 5,200-lb axles with 12" x 2" brakes, we have the Dexter Brake Kit # 23-112-113, which includes parking brake levers. You can pair it with the Manual Parking Brake Kit # T2385200, although some cable modifications may be necessary.

If you're replacing the entire axle, we can also build a complete setup depending on your trailer specs.

Are you looking to add a parking brake to your existing travel trailer, or are you replacing the axle? We may be able to reuse your existing axle and drums!

expert reply by: Andrew N

0

Trailer Brake Parking Brake Lever
(click to enlarge)

James A.

10/27/2026

Thank you, Andrew, I wonder if I do need a new axle. I went to grease the wheel bearing a couple of weeks ago, which I had not done in a few years. With the trailer jacked up, when I turned the wheels, there was a slight gravely sound. There was no play, in the wheels, by which I mean, when I tried to push the forward side and pull the rearward side of the tires, and vice versa, there was no movement. I greased the EZ Lube bearings liberally and traveled about 1,000 miles, no problems. So I wonder if the slight gravelly sound is ok, or should I replace the bearings. And if they should be replace, would that not also mean the spindles should be replaced as well, and if that's the case, should I just replace the whole axle?

Andrew N.

10/27/2026

@JamesA Hey James! I really doubt you'll need to replace the axle or spindles unless there's significant damage. The gravelly sound could indicate worn bearings or really dirty grease. I recommend pulling the hubs to inspect the bearings, races, and spindles. Given the noise and time since your last service, I'd lean toward replacing the bearings, races, and seals. Fresh grease won't repair existing damage. Do you happen to have the bearing numbers or axle tag information? Even the axle's weight capacity or tube diameter would help me narrow down the correct replacement bearings. And it's possible you're fine and won't have issues, but if you still to this day hear a gravel / metal on metal sound when rotating the wheel, that is not good and only a matter of time before something has a failure.