Brakers for our 1979 4500 Trillium

[billandkate]

How do we add brakes to our 1979 4500 Trillium? We live in the greater Seattle area.

[John in Michigan]

Assuming your Trillium 4500 has a torsion trailer axle (original equipment), that axle will accept electric brakes as long as it already has a brake mounting flange (square with four bolt holes) on each side. Here is a link to an in depth discussion on etrailer dot com as to what is needed:

https://www.etrailer.com/faq-Adding-...um-Brakes.aspx

I don't believe brake mounting flanges can be welded/added to a torsion axle, i.e., I believe the brake mounting flanges must have been included in the original construction of the axle.

As long as the brake mounting flanges are on the axle, adding brakes and wiring is a DIY project if you are mechanically inclined, or it can be done by a utility trailer shop.

[billandkate]

Hello John in Michigan,
Good advice! We will take a look at your link. We love our gal and since we plan on getting another car, reading their towing specifications suggest having trailer brakes as well.

[thrifty bill]

Myself, if the axle is original, it’s long past time to replace the axle. Get one with brakes. These torsion axles were meant to last about 15 years. At 41 years old, it’s time.