Installing electric trailer brakes is a crucial task that enhances the safety and control of your trailer during towing. Whether you’re upgrading from a manual system or installing brakes on a new trailer, understanding how to install electric trailer brakes properly is essential. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring that your brakes are installed correctly and efficiently.
Why Install Electric Trailer Brakes?
Before diving into the installation process, it’s important to understand why electric trailer brakes are necessary:
- Enhanced Safety: Electric brakes provide superior stopping power, reducing the strain on your vehicle’s brakes and improving overall safety.
- Legal Requirements: In many regions, trailers above a certain weight are required by law to have functional brakes.
- Better Control: Electric brakes allow for smoother, more controlled stops, especially when towing heavy loads.
Tools and Materials Needed
To install electric trailer brakes, you’ll need the following tools and materials:
- Brake assemblies
- Wiring harness
- Brake controller
- 7-way trailer connector
- Wire strippers and crimpers
- Electrical tape
- Heat shrink tubing
- Multimeter
- Torque wrench
- Jack and jack stands
Step 1: Prepare the Trailer
Start by ensuring the trailer is securely supported using jack stands. Remove the wheels and hub assemblies to access the brake mounting flanges.
Step 2: Install the Brake Assemblies
- Mount the Assemblies:
- Position the electric brake assemblies onto the mounting flanges of the trailer axle. Ensure the brake shoe’s larger side faces the rear of the trailer.
- Secure the assembly using the provided bolts, and tighten them with a torque wrench according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Install the Drums:
- Slide the brake drums onto the axle spindles. Make sure they fit snugly over the brake shoes. Install the wheel bearings and grease seals, then replace the hub caps.
Step 3: Wiring the Brakes
- Connect the Wiring Harness:
- Run the wiring harness along the trailer’s frame, securing it with clips or zip ties. Ensure the wiring is protected from sharp edges and moving parts.
- Connect the brake wires from the assembly to the main wiring harness. Typically, the blue wire is for power, and the white wire is for ground.
- Ground the System:
- Attach the white ground wire to a clean, bare metal surface on the trailer frame. Use a self-tapping screw or bolt to ensure a solid connection.
- Connect the 7-Way Trailer Plug:
- Wire the 7-way trailer plug to the towing vehicle’s electrical system. The blue wire from the plug connects to the brake controller, and the ground wire connects to the vehicle’s chassis.
Step 4: Install the Brake Controller
- Mount the Controller:
- Install the brake controller in the cab of your towing vehicle, within easy reach of the driver. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mounting and wiring.
- Connect to the Vehicle:
- Connect the brake controller to the vehicle’s electrical system. This usually involves tapping into the brake light switch and battery power.
- Calibration:
- Once installed, calibrate the brake controller according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. This ensures the brakes apply the correct amount of force based on the trailer’s weight.
Step 5: Testing the System
- Initial Test:
- With the trailer raised on jack stands, manually rotate the wheels and apply the brakes using the controller. Ensure the wheels stop turning smoothly.
- Road Test:
- Lower the trailer and take it for a short drive. Test the brakes at low speeds, gradually increasing the braking force. Adjust the brake controller as needed for optimal performance.
Conclusion
Knowing how to install electric trailer brakes is an invaluable skill for any trailer owner. By following these steps, you can ensure that your trailer’s braking system is installed correctly, providing enhanced safety and control on the road. Regular maintenance and testing will keep your brakes in top condition, ready for any towing challenge.