Approx How much $$ for Electric brakes?

[Jaclyn W]

Just wondering approx how much it would cost for the unit, wiring etc.

Not sure if it makes a difference but when we took possession of our trailer, it had a sticker on it which said 'electric brakes'. So does this mean that the trailer already has them?? We've never used them.

How can we check to see if it actually has them or not?

[curtis c]

if it has large drums behind the wheels then there are probably brakes. also if there are wires coming from the backside of the wheel hubs.

[kevin61]

Your brakes will look similar to these on my Boler. If you read the captions under the photos I believe I documented the approximate pricing.


Check out etrailer.com for a brake controller for your vehicle. The P3 would be a good choice. Price was 1/2 of what I could get it for here in Calgary Sometimes they will have a $5 shipping special to Canada so go through their checkout system. The current shipping costs will be displayed on the last page before you have to submit payment.

http://www.etrailer.com/pc-BC~90195.htm

They also have a lot of informational videos. Some of which are vehicle specific.

Depending on your vehicle you may be able to get a wiring harness that plugs directly into your existing wiring. Otherwise you will have to tap into your wiring as I demonstrate in my photos for my Sonoma tow vehicle.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/76boler...7604792637096/


If you have a Princess Auto near Stouffville (I think there is one in Newmarket) they will generally have the brake components if your trailer does not already have them.

My approximate costs were ($Canadian)

Brake Hubs and Drums $240
Breakaway Switch $25
Brake Controller $150
Wire and Misc. $50

[Joy A]

My costs were similar to Kevin's - about $500 to $600 US.

[pjanits]

Dexter show brakes for about 340 with hubs.
I need to check this out myself as my 17 Burro doesn't have brakes.

[Pete Dumbleton]

I'd check Redneck Trailer Supplies for good prices. Also, try the Scamp Parts department as sometimes they have good prices. The drum hubs are the expensive part!

[Lizbeth]

Redneck trailer supply prices for complete R/L brake kits for a Dexter 3500lb axle plus a break away switch is 175.00. A brake controller will cost anywhere from about 60.00 to 150.00 depending on your wants or needs.

Then there is that pesky installation! Depending on what you tow with the controller can be plug and play with the right parts to having to cut and splice wires under the dash.

I love my brakes!

[Darwin Maring]

Make sure you have the flanges on your axle for the brake assembly to bolt tothen check out the following for items and pricing.


http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/sto...29383_200329383

[Pete Dumbleton]

That brings up the question of what size brakes fit the axle of a 14' trailer? Ten inch or seven inch? You may have to dig out the serial number of the axle (Should be a tag on the axle beam), call the manf and ask.

[WaltP]

Make sure you have the flanges on your axle for the brake assembly to bolt tothen check out the following for items and pricing.
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/sto...29383_200329383

That's a great reference thanks. Now, what if I don't have flanges. Is there any way to retrofit there?
Walt

[Pete Dumbleton]

No -- The flanges are welded on prior to the rubber torsion rods being assembled into the axle beam -- It's likely you have them -- Most of the manfs ordered the flanges with the axles so they could be upgraded, but some owners didn't bother spending the extra $4 on replacement axle.

[Roy in TO]

Now, what if I don't have flanges. Is there any way to retrofit there?

You could change the whole axle.