How to Install Electric Trailer Brakes With Simple Tools

Installing electric brakes on your trailer will decrease your stopping distance.

Trailer brakes are required in some States depending on the weight of the trailer. There are two types of brakes. Surge brakes rely on the stopping forces generated by the vehicle. These work well for light loads but an electrically controlled system is better. Installing electric brakes is a simple process for most trailers. Before you purchase a braking system check that your trailer has the required flange to mount the brakes. This will be a square metal bracket located behind the wheel hub.

Things You'll Need

• Chocks
• Jack stand
• Car jack
• Socket set
• Right electric brake assembly
• Left electric brake assembly
• Grease gun

Instructions

1. Chock the left side wheel and jack the right side axle up with the car jack. Place the jack stand under the axle and adjust it until supports the axle and wheel off the ground.

2. Remove the wheel lugs with the socket set and take the rim off the hub. Pry off the protective cap over the center of the axle with a slotted screw driver.

3. Remove the cotter pin and loosen the bolt which secures the hub to the axle. Slide the hub off the axle.

4. Look to see if there is a square flange with bolt holes on each corner behind the hub. If there is not, you can't install electric brakes on your trailer.

5. Slide the right side electric brake on the hub and bolt it into place using the four holes in the flange. Make sure these bolts are tight. Attach the lip seal to the spindle and slide the inside bearing into this seal.

6. Install the outside bearing back into the hub and push the hub onto the axle. Secure the hub with the center nut and lock that in place with the cotter pin. The nut which secures the hub must allow for the movement of the hub.

7. Tighten the brakes using the tension bolt at the rear until the brake can't move. Then back that bolt off until the brake just slightly rubs.

8. Apply grease into the hub using the grease nipple on the end. Bolt the rim and tire back onto the hub, tightening the bolts in a star pattern. Repeat steps one through eight for the left side brake.

9. Follow the wiring diagram provided with the brakes to connect them to the trailer's electrical connector.

Tips & Warnings

• Test the trailer brakes before going on the public roads.

References

• eTrailer: Trailer Brakes and Wiring Installation