Parts Needed to Add Electric Drum Brakes to 1996 Pop Up Camper

Question

Question:

I currently have 20.5x8-10 on my 1996 Pop-up. It also has a dexter axle with surge brakes that are currently nonfunctional. I was thinking of switching to electric brakes since I’m pulling with an F150 with brake controller. Also need new tires as the current ones are over 5years old. Current trailer is 4 on 4 lug. So I’m looking at possible new axle vs separate parts to do the conversion and want to make sure if I get tires that they would be compatible with the new parts/axle. Thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

asked by: Christopher R

0

Expert Reply:

Unless your axle is in bad shape or it uses a weird set of bearings and seal you shouldn't need to replace it just to swap your hydraulic brakes over to electric.We actually have everything that you need for this conversion. To replace your older size 20.5x8-10 tires/wheels I recommend the Kenda 205/65-10 Bias Trailer Tire with 10" White Wheel # AM3H410 if you need the tire and wheel or part # AM1HP54 for just the tire (which is the current size listing of your tire size). This has a load range D which is 1,330 lbs at 70 psi. Since most pop up trailers have an axle weight capacity of 2,000 lbs this tire gives you enough weight capacity to feel safe but not so much that it will make your trailer bounce around on the road.

Then to swap over to electric brakes I recommend the 7" Electric Trailer Brake Kit # AKEBRK-2 which uses a 4-bolt mounting pattern that should match right up to the brake mounting flange on your axle. As long as your current hub/drum assembly has a 7" diameter and is in good shape you can use it with these brakes.

Should you need to swap them out then the hub/drum assembly that should work is the Dexter Axle # 8-173-16UC3 which uses the same 4 on 4" bolt pattern that your current wheels have. The reason I say should work is because you need to make sure that your current hub/drum assembly uses # L44649 inner and outer bearings and that the grease seal inner diameter is 1-1/2".

Then to get your electric brakes operational with your brake controller you need to route 10 gauge wire # 10-1-1 from the brakes to the brake pin on your trailer 7-Way. If you don't already have a 7-Way I highly recommend the wiring kit # e99011 because it has a junction box and connectors to organize and keep track of the different wiring circuits on your trailer.

The last piece of the puzzle is a breakaway kit so that in the even your trailer becomes uncoupled the brakes are applied. For this I recommend the Tekonsha Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit # 50-85-313 because it is a simple, reliable system that is easy to use.

I have also attached a link to a helpful article on adding electric drum brakes to a trailer that you can check out.