Put Electric Brakes On A Trailer: The Complete Guide

It can be hard to find yourself suddenly in the market for a trailer. Whether it’s for a job or an outdoor adventure, making sure your trailer is properly equipped with electric brakes is essential for safe operation. Electric brakes provide an additional level of safety and security when pulling large loads on long trips. Although it can seem like a daunting task, putting electric brakes on a trailer is actually quite straightforward with the right tools and knowledge.

This guide will walk you through the steps of putting electric brakes on a trailer from beginning to end, so that you can get back on the road as quickly and safely as possible. So let’s dive into all the components of putting electric brakes on a trailer and how you can do it yourself.

Step 1: Gather the Proper Tools and Supplies

Before you begin the installation process, be sure that you have all of the necessary tools and supplies. Make sure that you have a trailer brake controller, wiring harness, mounting hardware, and an inverter to ensure that everything is compatible.

You will also need a few more specialized items, including a drill, an orbiting sander, a chisel, and a power screwdriver, as well as electrical tape and boots. Additionally, if you aren’t comfortable doing any drilling, you may want to invest in a drill bit set to make the process easier.

Step 2: Remove Old Brake Equipment

Once you have gathered all of your necessary tools and supplies, it’s time to start the process. First, you need to remove the existing brake system from the trailer. This includes the brake lines, brake drums, and backing plates. Take your time and be careful when removing the old equipment, as you don’t want to damage any of the parts.

Step 3: Installing the Control Unit

Now that the old equipment is out of the way, it’s time to install the new electric brake controller. The controller needs to be mounted in a place that is easily accessible and that won’t interfere with any other equipment or wires. Once the controller is mounted, you can start connecting the wiring harness and other components.

Step 4: Connecting Wiring and Ground Connection

The next step is to connect the wiring harness and ground connection.Start by attaching the wiring harness to the trailer frame and then to the control unit. Then, the ground connection needs to be connected to the trailer frame and then to the battery. Be sure to use electrical tape and boots to ensure a good connection.

Step 5: Mount the Brake Magnet and Drum Assembly

After the wiring is connected, the braking system needs to be attached to the trailer axle. To do this, you need to mount the brake magnet and drum assembly. Make sure that the assembly is securely fastened to the axle. Then, attach the brake lines to the assembly and secure them with clamps.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

The final step is to make sure the entire system is working correctly. Start by testing that the brakes are responding to the controller. Then, check for any leaks in the brake lines and make sure all of the connections are secure. Finally, give the trailer a test drive to make sure that everything is working as it should.

Conclusion

Putting electric brakes on a trailer isn’t as difficult as it may seem. With the right tools and supplies, you can do the job yourself and avoid having to pay a professional. Just remember to take your time and be mindful of the proper safety protocols to ensure a successful installation. Good luck!

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