Adding Electric Trailer Brakes: A Complete Guide for Safety

For many trailer owners, adding electric trailer brakes can significantly enhance the safety and control of their towing setup. Whether you’re towing a utility trailer, a boat trailer, or a larger load, electric brakes provide the stopping power necessary to prevent accidents, reduce strain on your towing vehicle, and comply with legal requirements for larger trailers. In this guide, we’ll explain how to add electric trailer brakes, the benefits they offer, and provide a step-by-step installation process to help you improve your trailer’s safety.

Why Add Electric Trailer Brakes?

Electric trailer brakes are an essential addition for trailers that carry heavier loads. They offer several key advantages, including:

1. Increased Stopping Power: Electric brakes provide additional stopping force, allowing both your vehicle and trailer to slow down simultaneously, reducing wear on your vehicle’s brakes.
2. Improved Control: With electric brakes, you gain more control over your trailer’s braking behavior, especially during downhill descents or emergency stops.
3. Legal Compliance: In many regions, trailers above a certain weight limit are legally required to have their own braking system. Adding electric brakes ensures that you meet these requirements.
4. Safety in Heavy Loads: Trailers carrying heavy or unstable loads, such as boats, RVs, or equipment, benefit from electric brakes by reducing the risk of jackknifing and trailer sway.

How Do Electric Trailer Brakes Work?

Electric trailer brakes are activated by a brake controller, which is installed in the towing vehicle. Here’s a quick overview of how they work:

1. Brake Controller Activation: When you apply the brakes in your vehicle, the brake controller sends an electrical signal to the trailer’s braking system.
2. Magnet Engagement: The electrical signal activates magnets inside the brake assemblies, which engage the brake shoes by pulling them outward.
3. Friction and Stopping Power: As the brake shoes press against the brake drums, friction is generated, slowing the trailer’s wheels and bringing the trailer to a stop in sync with the vehicle.
4. Proportional Braking: The brake controller adjusts the amount of braking force applied to the trailer’s brakes based on the pressure you apply to the vehicle’s brakes, ensuring smooth and proportional deceleration.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Electric Trailer Brakes

If you’re ready to add electric trailer brakes to your trailer, here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:

1. Check Your Trailer

Before starting, ensure that your trailer has brake flanges attached to the axle, as these are necessary for mounting the brake assemblies. If your trailer does not have them, you may need to have brake flanges welded onto the axle by a professional.

2. Select the Right Brake Kit

Choose an electric trailer brake kit that matches your trailer’s axle size and weight capacity. The most common sizes are 7 inch, 10 inch, and 12 inch brake kits. Ensure that the kit includes the brake assemblies, drums, and all necessary wiring and hardware.

3. Prepare the Trailer

Start by parking the trailer on a level surface and securing it with wheel chocks. Use a jack to lift the trailer’s axle, ensuring the wheels are off the ground.

4. Remove the Wheels

Once the trailer is securely lifted, remove the wheels and any existing hubs or drum assemblies. Clean the axle flanges and surrounding areas to prepare for the installation of the new brake assemblies.

5. Install the Brake Assemblies

Position the brake assemblies onto the axle flanges and secure them using the provided hardware. Make sure they are properly aligned with the axle and wheel hubs.

6. Install the Brake Drums

Slide the new brake drums over the brake assemblies. Ensure that they fit snugly and rotate smoothly without any obstructions. Once the drums are in place, reinstall the wheels and tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications.

7. Wire the Brakes

Run the wiring from the brake controller in the towing vehicle to the trailer’s brake assemblies. Connect the wires to the magnets inside the brake assemblies, ensuring that the connections are secure and protected from moisture to prevent corrosion.

8. Install the Brake Controller

If you haven’t already done so, install the brake controller in the towing vehicle. The controller will need to be connected to the vehicle’s brake system and power supply. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.

9. Test the Brakes

After completing the installation, test the brakes by driving slowly in a safe area. Apply the brakes to check that the trailer’s brakes engage properly and adjust the brake controller settings as needed for proportional braking.

Benefits of Adding Electric Trailer Brakes

Once installed, electric trailer brakes offer numerous benefits for your towing setup:

1. Enhanced Safety: Electric brakes allow for smoother, more controlled stops, reducing the risk of accidents.
2. Reduced Vehicle Strain: By sharing the braking load, electric brakes reduce wear on your towing vehicle’s brakes, prolonging their lifespan.
3. Legal Compliance: Many jurisdictions require trailers above a certain weight to have their own brakes, so adding electric brakes can help you avoid fines and ensure your setup is legal.
4. Smoother Towing: With proportional braking, your trailer will brake in sync with your vehicle, preventing jolts and trailer sway.

Maintenance Tips for Electric Trailer Brakes

To keep your electric trailer brakes functioning effectively, regular maintenance is essential. Here are some tips:

1. Inspect Brake Components Regularly: Check the brake shoes, magnets, and drums for wear or damage. Replace any worn parts promptly to maintain optimal braking performance.
2. Clean the Brake Assemblies: Dirt, rust, and debris can accumulate on the brake components over time. Clean the brake assemblies periodically to ensure smooth operation.
3. Check the Wiring Connections: Inspect the wiring for any damage or corrosion. Replace or repair faulty wiring to prevent electrical issues.
4. Adjust the Brake Controller: Depending on the load you’re towing, you may need to adjust the brake controller settings to ensure the right amount of braking force for safe towing.

Conclusion

Adding electric trailer brakes to your trailer is a smart investment in safety and performance. By installing these brakes and keeping up with regular maintenance, you’ll enjoy smoother stops, improved control, and peace of mind while towing. Whether you’re towing for work or leisure, electric trailer brakes offer a reliable solution for safer and more efficient towing.