Want to convert surge to electric, what do I need?

mjw357 · Jul 13, 2014

20' Ridgeline cargo trailer, has 12"x2" drums with 6 x 5-1/4" bolt pattern. Drums have Dexter on the outside, look to be in good shape. How do I know what electric brake kits will fit? As far as bolting the new backing plates up to the axles?
The builders plate is just a sticker really, and looks like they just wrote all the data in there with a pen and it's almost impossible to read. So I don't know what the axle rating or GVWR is on this trailer.
When I do this, should I be doing all 4 wheels or is just one axle OK? This is non-commercial use, we mainly haul hay short distances with it.

edit: just found this: Ridgeline Trailers, Washburn, TN

oldballs · Jul 13, 2014

I'd do all four .... When you buy new electric brakes they come complete for left and right side using your same drums. You'll need a Brake Controller, a Break Away Kit, probably new truck and trailer 7 pole connectors, about 35-40 feet of Duo 10 gauge wire, some butt connectors, zip ties, 3M tape and probably want to repack the bearings with new seals. You'll need to immobilze the surge slack in the tongue by welding or some other means etc. Look to your trailer manufacturer for some advice and/or also go "www.etrailer.com" for videos and parts... or maybe to www.randpccarriages.com for good info. This just a few things that come to my mind.
Cheers,
Mike

Diamondpilot · Jul 13, 2014

You need to do all 4 wheels. You have 6 lug wheels so 12" brakes are what you need. They are used on 6 lug trailer axles which are 5200# or 6000# axles.

You will need to replace the coupler on the trailer also or weld your surge coupler to immobilize it.

I second R&P Carriage. I get all the stuff I need from the to service the fleet of trailers I maintain. They have full kits to do what you want to do.

Chris