Things You'll Need:
- A trailer
- Electric brakes kit
- simple hand tools
- wire
- brake controller
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Step 1
Obtain a electric trailer brake kit. A good kit will contain the backing plate with all the goods assembled. You will also need a matching brake drum to match you trailer spindles and the backing plate.
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Step 2
Remove the existing trailer hub.
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Step 3
Bolt the backing plate to the trailer axle. Note that the direction of rotation is important. Be sure the backing plates are mounted on the proper sides of the trailer.
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Step 4
Connect the magnets to a wire and run them to the tongue of the trailer. Most brake manufacturers recommend that you use a separate ground wire and not use the trailer frame e for a ground. I use the trailer frame for a ground on my trailer however and it works just fine for me.
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Step 5
Make a connection to allow the trailer brakes to be connected to the trailer brake controller. The standard wire color is blue. Many trucks will already have a blue wire run in the wiring harness for you. I found on in my Suburban and attached the controller output to it under the hood and extended it to reach the trailer connector in the back.
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Step 6
Install the brake drum and set the spindle nut the the specified torque. Be sure to grease the new bearings with the proper grease. The hub with brakes will run much hotter than your old hubs did so use high temp grease.
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Step 7
Test the system by pressing the emergency button on the brake controller. The trailer brakes should activate immediately. If it all works OK, follow the trailer brake controller adjustment procedure to set the correct power and delay for your trailer and loads.
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Step 8
Enjoy your new stopping capacity.
