Can I Upgrade My Utility Trailer to Electric Brakes When Replacing the Axle?

Published 10/28/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter 3,500-lb Trailer Axle Beam - 73" Hub Face - 58" Spring Center - E-Z Lube

$261.44

etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K

(3358)

$152.75

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

(2008)

$111.47

Question:

I've got an older 5x10 utility trailer. The axle is starting to show its age with a slight bend and I'm thinking about replacing it. It's a 3500 lb axle with 73 inches hub face to hub face and 58 inches between the springs. It doesn't have brakes now but I'd like to add electric brakes while I'm replacing everything. Do you have an axle that would work for this?

asked by: Gary

Expert Reply:

Hey Gary!

Yes, I'd go with the Dexter 3,500-lb Trailer Axle # DX775GV. It matches your 73" hub face and 58" spring centers, plus it comes with E-Z Lube spindles, 4-bolt brake mounting flanges, and is already prewired for electric brakes!

To complete the upgrade, you'll need the Self-Adjusting Electric Brake Kit # AKEBRK-35-SA and two Hub and Drum Assemblies # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K, assuming your wheels have the common 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern. Let me know if your wheels are different!

You'll also need a 7-way trailer connector, a brake controller in your tow vehicle, and the necessary wiring and mounting hardware.

One important thing to confirm is that this axle has the spring seats welded underneath, so it's designed for trailers with leaf springs mounted below the axle.

Are your trailer's leaf springs currently mounted underneath the axle, and do your wheels have a 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern?