Electric Brakes for 13' Boler

[omache27]

Can electric brakes be added to existing and original Boler 13 axel - tire size 175/80R13.

Elvin

[Mike Magee]

Look behind the wheel for a square plate with a hole at each corner. That is where brakes would mount. If no plate, you will need a new axle to add brakes.

[omache27]

Thanks Mike. I'll check the backing plate.

[John in Michigan]

We added 7" electric brakes to our 1974 Boler 13 when replacing the axle. The original axle didn't have backing plates. YMMV

[Jon in AZ]

If your Boler axle is indeed original, you're a decade or two overdue for a replacement. You will likely experience a noticeable improvement in ride quality along with the added safety of brakes.

[omache27]

It looks like a new axle with brakes attached is the way to go. One question - 7" or 10" electric brakes?

[bullfrogeh]

Originally Posted by Jon in AZ

If your Boler axle is indeed original, you're a decade or two overdue for a replacement. You will likely experience a noticeable improvement in ride quality along with the added safety of brakes.

We did just as Jon did - - - on our 1973 13' Boler - We opted to change out the original 44 year old axle, with a new one; and, added the 7" brakes, just for the obvious potential safety factor. - let alone the improvement in ride quality. (Wish I could just as easily, renew my own physical conditions, that are approaching twice the age of our Boler, although I do seem to be 'slowing' fairly well at present !)

[Jon in AZ]

Originally Posted by omache27

It looks like a new axle with brakes attached is the way to go. One question - 7" or 10" electric brakes?

I think 7" is all that will fit with the stock axle and wheel size. Could be wrong, though...

Unless you're going to do this yourself, I'd look for a good utility trailer shop or axle specialty shop and discuss your options. If you can find a shop with Boler experience, even better, as the original Boler axle installation was non-standard (leading rather than trailing arm configuration).

This would be the time to give the frame a once-over as well.