Maintenance & Restoration

Jan Adams · 11-11-2006, 07:08 AM

If a trailer doesn't have electric brakes, can they be put on OR is it better to buy one that already has the electric brakes?

Roger H · 11-11-2006, 07:18 AM

Jan, if the axle has flanges already installed, brakes can be added. Even if it has flanges, it's often the same or less money to just order a new axle with brakes installed and replace your old one.

Do a search on "brakes". You'll be enthralled for HOURS!

Roger

Pete Dumbleton · 11-11-2006, 07:39 PM

For a variety of reasons, most of the trailer manfs seem to have ordered their axles with the brake flanges installed, but it's wise to check when looking at a used one because a subsequent owner may have replaced the axle without ordering the flanges. Also, most if not all of the 16' and up had brakes installed.

Bob Cupp · 11-14-2006, 05:53 AM

Now is the perfect time to check out the axle for proper movement. If the trailer has the original axle and is getting up there in age, the bushings are probably getting a little stiff and loosing their movement. It this is the case, order a new axle from Dexter with the brakes installed. When I got my new axle, the price difference was only about $50 to get the brakes on it. Cost about $200 (parts only) to add brakes to your existing axle.