Adding brakes

[Ksimdjembe]

Hello all.
Our family has a '79 13' trillium that has been well loved and cared for by the previous owners. They did, however, tow it with something bigger than our '11 Subaru forester.
As the owners manual rates the towing capacity at 1000lbs no brakes/ 2400lbs with brakes, I want to have brakes added to the trailer. I'll have them done professionally.

Is this best done at a mechanic's or at an RV/ trailer place? What general costs and time am I looking at?

[Byron Kinnaman]

I suggest neither. A trailer place knows how to install new axles, brakes, etc. You might need to replace the axle to allow brakes. A good trailer shop would know what's needed.

[Ksimdjembe]

Sorry, I meant RV/ trailer place.

[Byron Kinnaman]

Originally Posted by Ksimdjembe

Sorry, I meant RV/ trailer place.

That's OK. I meant utility trailer place.

[Borrego Dave]

Kenny, if you do end up having to change out the axle I would add the brakes as the extra cost is pretty small at that point. Even if you don't need the extra braking it sure is nice to know you have it avalible. I don't have brakes on any of my utility trailers and some times they get loaded pretty heavy but it's always a short tow. TT tend to be longer distance tows. Just my two cents

[Byron Kinnaman]

Originally Posted by Borrego Dave

Kenny, if you do end up having to change out the axle I would add the brakes as the extra cost is pretty small at that point. Even if you don't need the extra braking it sure is nice to know you have it avalible. I don't have brakes on any of my utility trailers and some times they get loaded pretty heavy but it's always a short tow. TT tend to be longer distance tows. Just my two cents

Ahhh. The reason she might have to replace the axle is if the backing plates are not already on the current axle. She need to put brakes on to pull with Subaru.

[Perry J]

Byron's correct!
Stay as far away from ANY RV shop for anything unless your wealthy and money doesn't matter.

[Ksimdjembe]

What sort of ballpark costs would I be looking at?

Kenny

[tractors1]

Here's the place to start. Should be able to link over to an installer in your area:

Dexter Axle - Trailer Axles and Running Gear Components - Home

Charlie Y

[TomK]

Kenny, we tow a Scamp 13 Standard no bath but otherwise loaded, with a 2011 Forester. We do have the brakes, and think it makes a fine tug. Plenty of power, and we average about 19 - 20 MPG. Subaru handling and traction on slippery roads is legendary, but I'm sure you know that. I think it would be worth the money to upgrade your trailer, even if it will require a new axle. Good luck!

Tom

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by Ksimdjembe

What sort of ballpark costs would I be looking at?

Kenny

Cost of a new axle installed, complete with new hubs and brakes varies from shop to shop & location to location - so its worth doing some shopping around. $600 would be a good ball park number here in Canada to budget on.

As others have indicated unless the current axle on the trailer has the brake mounting plate already on it you will need to change the axle out completely. You can not simple add the brake mounting plate to an old axle. It is doubtful that the old axle on the trailer has the plate though due to its age.

[Ksimdjembe]

Thanks all for the suggestions. We are easy of Toronto, and have now been researching trailer companies. Great info on here - glad I found y'all!

[Ksimdjembe]

Um... That should say 'east' not 'easy'. Silly autocorrect.

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by Ksimdjembe

Thanks all for the suggestions. We are easy of Toronto, and have now been researching trailer companies. Great info on here - glad I found y'all!

You might want to do a Google on who your local Dexter axle dealer is.... that should help get you on the right path to finding a shop.

[Ksimdjembe]

Dexter stands out better than other trailer shops?

[Jack L]

Originally Posted by Ksimdjembe

Dexter stands out better than other trailer shops?

Dexter is a very large manufacturer of axles, springs, hubs and brakes. They sell to the shops that install. They also sell to distributors that sell to shops.

Product typically moves this way;

Dexter to wholesale distributor to shop to you

[Ksimdjembe]

Thanks. That's what I thought, though wasn't perfectly sure.

I've shopped around a bit, and a local place will either weld on a plate to the existing axle, switch out the existing axle for an aftermarket axle, or if I specify, they'll switch out the axle for a Dexter brand. Welding onto the existing axle isn't ny preferred option. Is there a huge difference between aftermarket or Dexter brand? Is Dexter that much tougher? They don't normally carry them, but will order it in. The rough price quote was more like $800 - $1100. (dexter making it pricier)

[Byron Kinnaman]

Originally Posted by Ksimdjembe

Thanks. That's what I thought, though wasn't perfectly sure.

I've shopped around a bit, and a local place will either weld on a plate to the existing axle, switch out the existing axle for an aftermarket axle, or if I specify, they'll switch out the axle for a Dexter brand. Welding onto the existing axle isn't ny preferred option. Is there a huge difference between aftermarket or Dexter brand? Is Dexter that much tougher? They don't normally carry them, but will order it in. The rough price quote was more like $800 - $1100. (dexter making it pricier)

Shop around a bit more. It's been reported here replacement axles from Dexter about half that price installed. But, that was then.

As for welding on a backing plate, that will probably destroy the current axle. This a rubber torsion alxe. There is rubber in the ends that provide the spring action. Here's pretty good information about Dexter small trailer axles.

I suggest that call Dexter and see if they'll sell directly to you or somebody close at much lower price.

[Donna D.]

Contact by PHONE:
Paul Neumeister
345 Huron Road, Sebringville, Ontario, NOK 1X0
Phone: 519-393-6410 (shop) 393-6776 (home)

Paul owns Fibreglass RV Parts, Repairs, and Service by Paul Neumeister he will either be able to help you directly, or he may be able to give a good recommendation for a shop.

[Timber Wolf]

Originally Posted by Byron Kinnaman

Shop around a bit more. It's been reported here replacement axles from Dexter about half that price installed. But, that was then.

Really? I spent $600 and change just to get an axle shipped and dropped in my driveway from Scamp. Probably could have bought one cheaper but certainly not installed for half $800-$1100.