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Adding trailer brakes

Started by brainpause, Nov 30, 2003, 04:48 PM

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brainpause

I am considering putting brakes on our ATV trailer. It is quite heavy when loaded with our two ATV's. It really pushes on the truck, and lowers our gas mileage. At northerntools.com, they have the brakes, brake drums, and hubs as seen at the link below. Are these the only three items (and a Tekonsha Prodigy, of course) that I need to add brakes to the truck? Or is there something else hidden that I don't know about?
 
Also, is this a project that is doable by a pretty handy person? Seems like there have been others here that added brakes.
 
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/LLCategoryDisplayView?storeId=6970&langId=-1&catalogId=4006970&PHOTOS=on&TEST=Y&productId=553622&categoryId=0
 
Larry

Ab Diver

Larry, if  I'm reading this right, you'll need the brake assembly, PLUS a drum/hub kit, (one of each for each side) at a total cost of about 170 bucks a side from Northerntools.
 
Just for your comparison, Dexter has a complete 7" kit for about $152.82.
 
http://www.dexteraxle.com/inc/pdetail?v=1&pid=1403
 
 
What size axle is presently on the trailer... 2000 lbs. or 3,500 lbs.? Are you using 12" or 13" wheels? I would go for a 10" brake kit if you have the room (13" wheels), cuz 7" brakes work about as well as dragging your feet Flintstone style.
 
Make sure the Northerntool Drums/Hubs come complete with bearings/races and a dust cap, or that can add about 30 bucks to the price. Don't forget the wiring you'll need to run on the trailer itself, plus a Bargeman 7-wire connector for the brake wiring if all you have right now is a flat four-wire connector.
 
Since it's not a pop-up trailer with an onboard 12V system, you'll want to add a small motorcycle-type 12V battery for the dead-man emergency break-away switch that activates the trailer brakes automatically in case the trailer comes off the hitch. I'm not sure off the top of my head, but I think that whole part of the problem (battery and switch) can be purchased as a unit.
 
It might be worth contacting Dexter for a price on a complete axle assembly equipped with brakes.
 
Either way you go, it's a straightforward bolt-on job.

brainpause

I was told that it was a 3500# axle when I bought it, but not sure if it is a Dexter. I also think I'm using 13" wheels.
 
It will be a stretch to let the boss (Holly) let me put brakes on the trailer. I told her today (after a near miss) that the trailer was going to push us into a wreck someday. Granted, we don't use the trailer that often, but the ATV's alone weigh 1200#, plus the weight of the trailer, so it probably runs well above 2000#. And remember, I have a 4x4 truck, but it is still small (Nissan).
 
We will probably get some Xmas money, so maybe she'll let me do this upgrade. It would make me more secure towing it; she doesn't really understand how bad it is, because she never tows. Well, she did once, but a couple or three years ago.
 
I think I read it the same way: Each kit contains two items, and I need the brake assemblies AND the hub/drum sets. Along with the wiring and brake controller, it seems that would be all.
 
As for an emergency break-away kit, I think I will pass. The ATV's are tough, and can be replaced, and the trailer can too.
 
My truck does have just the 4-flat connector, so that is another $$consideration$$. If it is an easy mod, I just might put some on the camper too. However, it pretty well behaves on the road; it is not near as heavy as the ATV trailer.
 
Larry

Gone-Camping

Does the trailer axles have backing plates on them to mount the brakes to? You might have to add these too?!?!

brainpause

Quote from: Gone-CampingDoes the trailer axles have backing plates on them to mount the brakes to? You might have to add these too?!?!
What do I look for? I watched new tires being put on a while back,but don't remember what was "behind" the tire.
 
Larry

Ab Diver

The backing plate is a piece of metal, about 4" square and 1/4" thick, welded to the axle just inboard of the inner bearings. If it's there, you'll know it when you see it. The brake assembly is bolted to this plate through four pre-drilled holes. Without this plate, there is no way to mounts brakes on the axle.
 
I supposed you could have plates made and welded on if the axle doesn't have them. I dunno about bearing location on an axle without these plates, and if adding them would cause problems. But in that case it would seem easier, and without chance of mis-positioning the plates, to buy a whole new axle already fully assembled with brakes.
 
Ab Diver--- up early with the new pup

brainpause

Quote from: Ab DiverThe backing plate is a piece of metal, about 4" square and 1/4" thick, welded to the axle just inboard of the inner bearings. If it's there, you'll know it when you see it. The brake assembly is bolted to this plate through four pre-drilled holes. Without this plate, there is no way to mounts brakes on the axle.

I supposed you could have plates made and welded on if the axle doesn't have them. I dunno about bearing location on an axle without these plates, and if adding them would cause problems. But in that case it would seem easier, and without chance of mis-positioning the plates, to buy a whole new axle already fully assembled with brakes.

Ab Diver--- up early with the new pup
I was looking for "parts" when they changed the tires, and I think that plate is there. So it sounds like an easy mod to my trailer that would GREATLY improve our safety when towing. You really have to pay attention when towing a trailer without brakes!
 
Larry

Ab Diver

Ok, let's see if this comes out so we can read it. Dang thing was invisible after posting....
 
 
Larry, what you are looking for is a square plate measuring about four inches on a side, with four holes in it for bolting the brake assembly in place. Without this plate, there is no way to mount brakes on the trailer. It's welded to the axle just inboard of the inner bearings. It it's there, you'll know it when you see it.
 
If the axle doesn't have this plate, it would probably be easier to just order a whole new axle equipped with brakes.
 
 
 
Ab Diver---- up early with the new pup.
 
 
 
****************************************
 
ok, now it's there and Larry copied it. I had deleted it to start over. Oh well...
 
You're right about towing without brakes. Unfortunatly, it's not *you* that causes the accident, it's the idiot that pulls out in front of you. Trailer brakes allow you to better cope with the emergancies of the real world.

aw738

QuoteAb Diver
 
If the axle doesn't have this plate, it would probably be easier to just order a whole new axle equipped with brakes.
This would be the best route if the mounting brackets are missing. Also I would install the breakaway switch and battery. It is not the trailer and ATV's that I would worry about, it is the damage they may do to other people's property when they come loose.