Monday, April 20, 2015

Adding Electric Brakes To Some Utility Trailer

Reasons to add electric brakes


Disinfected any dirt and rust from the brake mounting flange, which is the rectangular portion you'll descry welded on the axle butt end. Disinfected thoroughly as you'll thirst for the brake to sit straight on the flange. Lift the brake assembly onto the axle and position on the flange. Install four Grade 8 bolts with locking nuts to secure the brake assembly to the brake mounting flange.


There are no hydraulic lines to be added, no adjustments to the position of the masterly cylinder and no worries approximately the wheels locking up when the trailer is backed up.


Requirements


To add electric brakes to a overhaul trailer, you must shop for the brake assemblies and drums, upgrade the trailer connector and install a brake controller in your tow vehicle provided it is not already equipped with one. You'll require 14-gauge automotive essential wire and solderless connectors further.


Installing the brakes


Jack the trailer up and safely facilitate it on jack stands or enormous blocks of wood. Then remove the hub and turn from the axle.The unmarried biggest deduction to add electric brakes to a avail trailer is safety. Electric brakes can immeasurably shorten stopping distance. Brakes further balm conclusion in a straight contour and can eliminate the opportunity of a trailer jack-knifing when a sudden evasive manoeuvre must be unreal.Electric brakes are and the easiest course to add brakes to a trailer. The magnet arm should be vertical with the magnet at the bottom.


Grease the bearings in the drum and install the drum on the axle. Adjust the wheel bearings and replace the cotter pin with a new one. Install the wheel (you must remove it from the old hub which is no longer needed) and tighten the lug nuts securely.


Run a wire from each brake assembly and join them together with a wire running to the trailer connector. Connect the other wire from each brake to the trailer frame using a self-tapping screw and a ring connector.


Using Electric Brakes


Remember to adjust the brake controller to provide less braking when the trailer is empty and more when the trailer is loaded. If the brakes lock up when you step on the brake, back off the adjuster on the controller until locking up is no longer experienced.