How an Electric Brake System Works on a Trailer Axle

When the trailer brake controller sends a signal to an electric brake assembly, an
electromagnet activates that presses brake shoes against a drum to create friction
between them and slow or stop the trailer. This system has lower initial costs and
installation can be accomplished faster than disc brakes.

This axle features five-lug 4.5″ bolt pattern drums equipped with electric brakes and
features welded spring seats and lug nuts.

Brake Drum

Most modern trailers use disc brakes on all four wheels, although drum brakes
remain popular among some models. Drum brakes use a wheel cylinder with pistons
that push brake shoes against an interior rotating drum to slow and stop wheel
motion; electric power from controller energizes electromagnets in brake drums and
triggers the braking system.

Brakes work by creating friction, which generates heat. If used too heavily, this heat
can damage brake linings and drums resulting in permanent brake system damage.

A brake kit contains all of the parts necessary to upgrade your trailer from drum
brakes to disc brakes, including brake liners and shoes as well as an electric over
hydraulic actuator. Some kits even include breakaway kits which work when
disconnected from their tow vehicle while other provide either time delay or
proportional controller options for controlling your braking system.

Brake Shoes

Brake shoes use frictional forces to slow and stop your trailer, connecting with the
inner drum surface through contact points made of special friction material that
reduces noise and dust levels.

Field experience and engineering enable constant advancements in friction
materials, cutting maintenance costs and increasing performance. Your technician
should recommend the material that best meets the requirements of your application.

Always set your brake controller so that the trailer brakes come on in sync with
those of your tow vehicle, or else they could lockup and cause wheel skidding due to
improper gain settings, overloading, or driving conditions. To prevent this from
occurring, conduct brake testing on a safe paved road where several hard stops
should allow you to assess whether your brakes can stop your combined load successfully.

Brake Pads

No matter if you are transporting boats or construction equipment, trailers require
brakes of their own to stop when necessary. Most RVs come equipped with hydraulic
or electric brakes as standard equipment.

Hydraulic or magnetic force can be employed to both slow and stop your trailer, with
magnetic brakes using electromagnets which activate brake shoes against an iron
brake drum when voltage is applied; this electrical pulse comes from within your in-cab brake controller.

This electric brake kit includes two 2500lb axles with 5-lug hubs and welded spring
seats designed to mount leaf springs, along with brakes, shoes and lining for easy
installation. Specifically tailored for DEXTER 10″x2-1/2″ electric over hydraulic brake
assemblies with 4-hole brake flanges.

How an Electric Brake System Works on a Trailer Axle

Brake Mounting Plate

An electric trailer axle comes equipped with a brake mounting flange. This flange
sits atop of the axle and bolts securely into place; qualified welders can weld this
mounting point directly onto it.

This 12″ x 2″ self-adjusting electric brake assembly fits onto Alko, Dexter and
Quality Trailer Axles equipped with 5-hole brake flanges. It consists of brake shoes,
springs, and an electromagnetic brake magnet with white wires for effective stopping power.

Place wires from the front of the trailer to each brake assembly to supply power to
them, and use a voltmeter and ammeter to diagnose electrical problems like faulty
sensors, shorted lever arms or defective magnets. You may also require zip ties,
electrical tape or wiring clips.

Brake Controller

Brake controllers are installed inside vehicles and allow drivers to easily monitor how
their trailer brakes work. When selecting one for towing purposes, make sure it suits
both your load type and driving style.

Time-delayed brake controllers activate trailer brakes with a fixed amount of power
for a brief period when the vehicle brake pedal is depressed, which creates less wear
on their braking systems than proportional controllers.

Proportional brake controllers employ accelerometers to continually measure vehicle
dynamics and deliver consistent trailer braking power. While proportional controllers
may cost more than time-delayed controllers, their greater level of trailer braking
power provides a superior experience while helping prevent excess wear on tow
vehicle brakes. According to Ross at REDARC, their products are promoted through
small cardboard displays, floor stickers and “shelf-talkers.” Additionally,
demonstration videos are offered for new customers.

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