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Elec Trailer Brakes Suggestions

ss502gmc

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ss502gmc Enthusiast

ss502gmc

Posted
Posted

Has anyone ever installed electric brakes to a 12000lb trailer that for some reason doesnt have any?

im just curious as to how big of a job it is and is it worth it. i havent bought this trailer yet because of this but its a 24' flatbed car hauler that i can fit 2 midsize cars on for only $$1100 and its in nice shape just dont understand the no brakes thing and yes i crawled under and there are no drums so Anyone???

sk Senior Enthusiast

sk

Posted
Posted
Has anyone ever installed electric brakes to a 12000lb trailer that for some reason doesnt have any?

im just curious as to how big of a job it is and is it worth it. i havent bought this trailer yet because of this but its a 24' flatbed car hauler that i can fit 2 midsize cars on for only $$1100 and its in nice shape just dont understand the no brakes thing and yes i crawled under and there are no drums so Anyone???

 

I am getting ready to do this right now. It's not too bad of a job -- the mechanical parts are actually easier than the wiring. Just make sure your axles have a small flange with 4 bolt holes on them. If not you can buy the flanges but they have to be welded to the axle tubes.

 

Instead of me typing forever, there is a LOT of useful information and pictures on this site:

R & P Carriages

 

If you also go to his eBay auctions and look at one of the brake kit listings he has additional instructions/pictures/links in the listing.

bill190 Enthusiast

bill190

Posted
Posted

Yes I installed trailer brakes on a trailer which did not have them.

 

I feel they are a "must" the way people drive... They cut in front of you and stop, suddenly slow down and turn, etc. Need to be able to stop!

 

Anyway the axle on my trailer was not the type which would allow electric brakes, so I had to replace the whole axle.

 

Actually it was not that difficult so far as projects go. The most difficult part was keeping my dog from constantly licking my face while I was working under the trailer! :smash:

 

I got a Dexter Axle and all the parts from a Dexter Axle dealer. Good instruction book as well. I drove my trailer there and the guy there told me what all I needed and what my options were (were not).

 

You may be able to just add the electric brakes to your existing axle. Here is the Dexter Axle web site and on there you could call them or find a local dealer maybe, then go ask them...

http://www.dexteraxle.com

jake111 Enthusiast

jake111

Posted
Posted

If one of the questions was whether you could get away without trailer brakes, I would say definitely NOT (especially at 12,000 lbs). I believe every state, and Canada, require trailer brakes if the trailer weighs more than 1000-2500 lbs. (varies by state).

 

Legal or not, up to about 2500 lbs. isn't bad at all. I've run my 5000 lb. trailer when the trailer brakes had quit working (some mfg's seem to think crappy crimp connectors are ok; use solder!!). It wasn't too bad but an emergency situation would have been potentially disasterous.

ss502gmc Enthusiast

ss502gmc

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Posted

well maybe not 2 cars but def 2 kcars anyway but i know my eclb would fit with plenty of room to spare

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