Parts Needed To Add Electric Drum Brakes To A Pontoon Trailer

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Question:

We are considering adding brakes to our pontoon trailer so it is safer to pull with our SUV. It is single axle trailer that currently has no brakes. I am leaning towards electric brakes but would like a professional opinion. Please let me know what information you need from me. Thank you Jeremy

asked by: Jeremy P

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Expert Reply:

Hey Jeremy,

Typically with boat trailers the manufacturer will install hydraulic surge brakes because you don't have to worry about the water damaging wires like you would with electric brakes. That being said, if you use a heat shrink butt connector # DW05745-10 you'll be able to protect your electrical connections and shouldn't have a problem.

To add brakes you'll need to check the axle/spindle to see if you have a brake mounting flange. If you don't then you'll have to buy new axles that do have them. Next you'll need to check your bearing and grease seals for part numbers or measure the spindle at points B, C, and D on the diagram to determine the inner diameters for each component. We'll also need to know the axle capacity and wheel bolt pattern. Once we have this info we can find the right brake assemblies and hub/drum assemblies to fit the spindle as well as the wheels.

From there you'll need a breakaway battery and switch like the Brightway # 3802336 and a brake controller in the SUV to activate the brakes. I can help find the right brake controller if you can tell me the year/make/model of the vehicle. You'll also need to install a junction box and 7-way # 277-000141. You also need some 10AWG wire # 10-1-1 to make your connection between the brake assemblies and junction box.

When launching or recovering the boat you'll want to disconnect the trailer connector from the tow vehicle just as an extra precaution to prevent any damage to the electrical components of the trailer.

expert reply by: Kevin C

0

Spindle Measurement Guide
(click to enlarge)

Measuring For Wheel Bolt Pattern
(click to enlarge)

Jeremy P.

4/24/2024

Hi Kevin, The Axle has a 4-hole brake mounting flange on each end with a 2.8" bolt pattern. B= 1.72" C= 1.375" D= 1.06" The axle capacity is 3500 pounds. The wheel bolt pattern is 5 on 4.5". The SUV is a 2019 Subaru Ascent Touring. I was doing a bit of reading and if possible, I would like a controller with the ability to plug it in without splicing and one that has the ability to apply the trailer brakes manually from the driver's seat like in a pickup truck. Thank you Jeremy

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Kevin C.

4/24/2024

@JeremyP Hub/drums: Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly # AKHD-545-35-G-K or part # AKHD-545-35-G-EZ-K if you have easy lube spindles. You'll still want to pick up a tub of marine grease # L74FR and lube up the spindle and pack your bearings as well. These are galvanized to help prevent corrosion since you'll be in and out of water. You'll need two assemblies per axle. Brake Assemblies: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes # AKEBRK-35-SA. These are self-adjusting brakes so once you have them initially bedded you won't have to get under the trailer and adjust them again. This will come with two assemblies, left and right, so you'll only need one kit per axle. Brake Controller: If your Ascent has a factory tow package you'll be able to use an adapter to plug in your brake controller without having to splice into the vehicle wiring. If this is the case for you then I recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller # RED24FR along with the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter # 3062-P. This brake controller has the smallest footprint on the market and will provide you with an easy to use dial that you can also press in to manually activate the brakes. If you don't have the tow package then I still recommend the Redarc Liberty but you'll have to get the universal wire harness # RED69FR and splice into your factory wiring. If you have to go this route you'll also need a 30 amp circuit breaker # 331-CBK30-EB for the black power wire you'll run to the battery.

Helpful Links

tv-review-etrailer-hub-and-drum-assembly-akhd-545-35-g-k.aspx

tv-review-redarc-tow-pro-liberty-trailer-brake-controller-red24fr.aspx

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Jeremy P.

4/24/2024

@KevinC Thank you, order placed. Jeremy

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Jeremy P.

4/30/2024

@KevinC is the black plastic end on the 3062-P wiring harness supposed to plug into the black plastic end on the RedArc Brake Controller? The end on the wire looks to be about half the size or less than it needs to be.

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See All (5) Replies to Jeremy P. ∨

Answer 1

We do have all the parts you will need but they are not available as a single kit. First you will need to verify your hub bearings and grease seal to ensure you have the standard 3,500LB sizes. The Inner Bearing #L68149(1.378" ID), Outer Bearing…

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Answer 2

Traditionally, trailer manufacturers did not use electric brakes on boat trailers because the brake magnet wiring and trailer wiring did not always have the best insulation or water protection. These days, more and more manufacturers are using…

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Answer 3

I do have a handy trailer wiring FAQ article that would be perfect for you. I have included a link to it. I have also included a picture that shows the typical wiring diagram of a 7-Way round pin trailer side connector. As you can see, the 7-way…

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Answer 4

To install a 7-way connector on your 2017 Ford Edge you will first need to install a 4-way connector. I recommend the Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat #118669 if your Edge is an SE or SEL, and the Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring…

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Answer 5

If you only have a 4-Way on your 2015 Ford Edge SEL, like the Curt #C56272 or Tekonsha #118669, then the wiring that you need is the Kit #ETBC7. This connects to your 4-Way and provides both 4-Way and 7-Way connectors that are fully functioning. You…

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Answer 6

There is an option to install a 7-way connector on your 2020 Ford Edge AWD SEL with a Class III Trailer Hitch Receiver like the Curt #C78KR installed. You will first need to install a 4-way connector using the Tekonsha T-Connector #118805 which will…

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Answer 7

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 8

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 9

Hey Jeremy, Typically with boat trailers the manufacturer will install hydraulic surge brakes because you don't have to worry about the water damaging wires like you would with electric brakes. That being said, if you use a heat shrink butt…

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Answer 10

The best brake controller option to go with is one that activates the brakes proportionally instead of time delayed. A proportional brake controller will activate the trailer brakes at the same time and with the same intensity as the tow vehicle…

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Answer 11

We can definitely get you set up. For a 7-way wiring harness for your 2024 Honda Pilot trailsport I recommend the Curt T-Connector #C35ZV which will plug in to the existing tow package connector at the rear your vehicle. I do also recommend getting…

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Answer 12

The trailer brakes work on a separate circuit than the lights. You have a couple of options to control the electric brakes on the trailer. One option is to use an air over electric brake control, #HA100400C. This unit connects to the air brakes on…

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Parts Needed To Add Electric Drum Brakes To A Pontoon Trailer

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