can I just use this to add brakes to my ezloader??

[aggiedave98]

I would like to add electric brakes to my EZ-Loader trailer for my 1989 17.5 foot I/O Invader. The trailer is single axle with no brakes. It has 14", 5 lug, wheels. <br /><br /><br />Are these two parts the only thing I need to add electric brakes? I already have a brake controller. Being that my trailer is 16 years old, is there anything i should just replace (like my axle?) when I'm doing this. <br /><br />below is the electric brakes and the drums.<br /><br /><br /> http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/...uctDisplay?storeId=6970&productId=7768&R=7768 <br /><br /> http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/...don=true&storeId=6970&productId=13477&R=13477 <br /><br /><br />thanks!!

 

[djvan]

Re: can I just use this to add brakes to my ezloader??

Not overly qualified to answer this, but first impression is you will need to weld a flange onto your axle if it doesn't have one already.<br /><br />DougV>

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: can I just use this to add brakes to my ezloader??

Yep, the axle needs to have the flange for the brake backing plate to bolt onto.<br /><br />Sometimes, trailer manufacturers use an axle to suit brakes even though they don't sell the trailer with brakes - it becomes an option. Pull a wheel and have a look.<br /><br />If the flange is not there, you will need to buy a new axle. The whole job is not difficult.<br /><br />If you are inclined towards engineering, you can fit/weld the flange onto your axle, but the position/orientation of the flange in relation to the spindle is critical - best to buy a axle with the flange already fitted.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[aggiedave98]

Re: can I just use this to add brakes to my ezloader??

what does the flange look like?<br />do you have a pic?? maybe using a google image search??<br /><br />mine looks basically like this but without the bolts coming through and 5 lug...

 

[aggiedave98]

Re: can I just use this to add brakes to my ezloader??

oops, meant to put this image...<br /><br /> http://www.trbmachine.com/images/new_pics/SQHD-Axle-Flange.jpg

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: can I just use this to add brakes to my ezloader??

What is behind the hub? I can't see anything, you probably don't have the flange.<br /><br /> http://www.easternmarine.com/em_store/axles/ <br /><br />The picture at the top left has not got a flange, the one next to it has.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: can I just use this to add brakes to my ezloader??

The mounting plate is a flat, square metal plate with four holes. It accepts the four bolts that hole the brake assemblies to the axle. You don't need to pull a wheel to see them. Just look in back of the wheel (between the spring and the hub). Its welded to the end of the axle

 

[aggiedave98]

Re: can I just use this to add brakes to my ezloader??

Ok guys, makes complete sense now. Thanks. I do not have the flange. <br /><br />I've got an old '89 suburban that I tow my 17.5 foot I/O with and the brakes aren't the greatest, so I was thinking of adding the brakes because I already have a brake controller in it.<br /><br />What do you guys think?? I guess there's not a right answer, but would it be worth going through all the trouble and replacing the axle, then adding the brakes??

 

[aggiedave98]

Re: can I just use this to add brakes to my ezloader??

Ok, so my trailer GVWR is 2727lbs and it says the max load is 2200lbs. <br /><br />I assume that means I need a 2200lb axle, right?<br /><br />I don't see any 2200lb axles w/ the flange. Do they make them??<br /><br />thanks guys.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: can I just use this to add brakes to my ezloader??

Yes, it is well worth it.<br /><br />The axle rating will be higher than the overall trailer rating. <br /><br />Ezloaders range of replacement axles (with brake flanges) start at 3000Lbs.<br /><br /> http://shop.easternmarine.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=catalog.catalog&categoryID=168 <br /><br />The ezloader axles are a lot more expensive than I thought. I have just replaced 4000Lb axles on a tandem, they cost me $200.00 each, and that included all the hardware.

 

[handball]

Re: can I just use this to add brakes to my ezloader??

Hi guys,<br />I know nothing about electric brakes but I am interested for my own trailer.<br />One question I do have is how well these electric brakes survive being submerged in salt water. Does anyone have experience with this?<br />Also are they needed for flat ares of the country like long island n.y. , with a loaded trailer weight of say 2500# ?<br />Bill

 

[CN Spots]

Re: can I just use this to add brakes to my ezloader??

"I've got an old '89 suburban that I tow my 17.5 foot I/O with and the brakes aren't the greatest"<br /><br />I'd work on the tow vehicle's brakes first. Adding brakes to a trailer is not a bad thing but doing it to supplement poor brakes on your tow vehicle is.<br /><br />spots

 

[aggiedave98]

Re: can I just use this to add brakes to my ezloader??

I've actually completely redone the brakes (new rotors and brakes on the front, rebuilt the drums and resurfaced them). It's just they don't stop nearly as well as a new truck with 4 wheel disc would.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: can I just use this to add brakes to my ezloader??

If the GVWR of your trailer is 2700+ you need an axle with that capacity minimum. Remember, the axle supports the weight of the trailer itself as well as any load it carries. Using a 2200# axle would leave you well under that capacity. Salt water is tough on any brake system so flush them after every use. You would probably be better off with a surge brake system using galvanized or stainless components -- obviously a much more expensive set-up but perhaps a more cost effective solution. You might also consider trading your trailer for a new one with brakes. Trailers are not as expensive as you might think.

 

[ufm82]

Re: can I just use this to add brakes to my ezloader??

handball, you can buy galvanized brake kits that are electric just like the ones posted here. I put them on my EZloader trailer this summer. I have a 19' Proline on a single axle trailer and it is a heavy boat for its size. I wanted brakes simply to take a load off my two vehicle's brakes. I bought the backing plate assemblies from a dealer on E-Bay and also the controoler from another dealer on E-bay. I have exactly $82 total in the deal- not bad for the whole shebang. Yes, rust resistant brakes are available. <br /><br /> People look at me funny when I tell them I have electric brakes on my trailer- they think they'll "short out" when I dunk the rig. They don't understand that the magnets are insulated just like a wire. It's no big deal. Plus, I love being able to control the brake force instead of relying on the inertia of the trailer to activate the brakes. I also bought a controller that gradually applies the power instead of instantly slamming the brakes on. Those little taps you give the brakes in traffic or regulae driving don't activate the brakes all the time so there's less jerking. My wife forgets we have the boat behind us now since our stopping distance is normal and the truck doesn't feel like it's being pushed.<br /><br />UFM82

 

[aggiedave98]

Re: can I just use this to add brakes to my ezloader??

UFM82, can you send me more info on the "backing plates" that you got?? Do you have a pic? What did you search for on Ebay? Does that mean it can attach to a normal trailer?? I already have a good electric brake controller, so I'd like to do this, but don't necessarily want to replace the axle...<br /><br />Thanks!!!<br /><br />Dave

 

[aggiedave98]

Re: can I just use this to add brakes to my ezloader??

ok, just saw the backing plate is actually the brake plate itself... so you had an axle it already with the flange to bolt it to??