Complete electric trailer brake kits contain everything needed to add brakes to your
trailer, from left and right electric brake assemblies, drum & hub assemblies and
emergency breakaway kits (battery with case, charger and breakaway switch) all the
way to breakaway switches.
Electric brakes reduce pressure on tow vehicle brakes and reduce swaying.
Furthermore, these work more quickly than hydraulic brakes.
Self-Adjusting Brake Assemblies
This kit of two 12″ x 2″ self-adjusting electric brake assemblies and parts is intended
to outfit one axle of a trailer. Each assembly attaches directly to the axle flange with
five bolts, then connects directly to two electrical wires – and can be set for left or right hand operation.
Electric brake drums constructed of E-coated durable friction material offer better
braking performance and longer lifespan, while each E-coat resists corrosion.
Standard electric brakes need periodic manual adjustment in order to provide
optimal performance, which can present RVers on the road with a challenge. Some
individuals attempt to compensate for wear by increasing gain on their brake
controllers – this, however, may lead to excessive magnet and drum surface wear.
Start installation off right by jacking up and supporting the trailer with jack stands.
Remove axle wheels and lug nuts using slip-lock pliers or dust cap removal tool
before pulling axle out.
Drum & Hub Assemblies
If you need additional stopping power for your tandem axle utility trailer, this drum
and hub assembly is the ideal solution. Featuring a 2-1/4″ wide brake drum
specifically designed to work with Dexter, Alko, and Quality electric axles.
This black drum hub kit is tailored to match the bearing and seal sizes on your
existing trailer axle spindle, featuring the common 5 on 4.5 inch bolt pattern of most
standard trailer wheels.
This hub comes equipped with a zerk grease cap for convenient lubricating of
bearings. Just remove the plug from the fitting and use your grease gun to lubricate
both inner and outer bearings as well as seal contact surfaces on its back side.
Furthermore, one hub and drum kit will need to be purchased per axle axle.
Breakaway Kit
Breakaway systems are required by law in many states for trailers weighing over
3,000 lbs, as it activates their electric brakes if they become disconnected from their
towing vehicle while moving. This kit contains everything needed, including battery, box, and switch.
Thinking about your trailer disengaging while you’re driving can be unnerving and
potentially hazardous, not only to yourself but also other drivers on the road and
your cargo. Should its safety chains break free or its coupler come off its ball, your
cargo could slam into other cars or run into an open ditch causing serious harm or worse.
Most trailers are equipped with safety chains and a breakaway kit, which includes a
12-volt rechargeable battery, plastic battery box with mounting bracket and
breakaway switch. A wire runs from the switch to the trailer connector; another runs
between battery and switch, with an indicator light to show its functionality; plus
there’s even a test button that verifies this process is working correctly.
Controller
User-controlled and Proportional brake controllers are two types of controllers
available on the market, determining how much braking force should be applied to
trailer electromagnets when towing vehicles brake. Many controllers also allow you
to customize gain settings based on trailer size/weight or driver preference.
For more accurate braking, select a proportional brake controller. This method
measures inertia so as to match up with pressure from your vehicle’s brake pedal
and create an effect as if your trailer were an extension of it.
Time-delayed controllers provide an affordable alternative. These simple devices
sense when the tow vehicle brakes, then notify the trailer to apply its brakes at a
pre-set rate. Some models feature an override button in cases of trailer sway when
changing lanes on highways or crossing tracks with heavy truck traffic; many also
include digital LED displays showing settings, real-time diagnostics and alerts;
Tekonsha Primus IQ is one such controller.