Mechanical parking brake on trailers

[alia176]

I'm going to be installing a set of 7" electric brake hubs on my Kamparoo trailer (1700 lbs). I see that Dexter sells a 7" kit with parking brake feature built in. Is this the route that most folks are going to when they want a parking brake option on their trailers?

Here's the link: Dexter Axle - Trailer Axles and Running Gear Components - Brake Kit - RH

Currently, the axle has no brakes so I'll need to weld on a flange to accommodate the future brake kit and wire it up accordingly.

Thanks.

 

[Rubiconcruiser]

Try this website, Trailerparts superstore.com best pricing yet,

 

[alia176]

Try this website, Trailerparts superstore.com best pricing yet,

Yeah, I checked out that site but they don't carry what I need. Evidently this is not a common item (e-brake with parking brake option). Ordering a set is not a problem through my local Dexter dealer or online vendor. Just curious as to what others were using in their trailers for a parking brake.

Thanks.

 

[greentruck]

I'm curious about what you find out. That's the same set-up I'd like to eventually apply to our M101 CDN.

One thing I remember when I was ballparking prices was that it looked like it might be cheaper to order a complete axle with this set-up than just the brake parts.

 

[alia176]

I'm curious about what you find out. That's the same set-up I'd like to eventually apply to our M101 CDN.

One thing I remember when I was ballparking prices was that it looked like it might be cheaper to order a complete axle with this set-up than just the brake parts.

I think you may be right. I was able to find the Dexter kit I mentioned above online for about $60/side. Once you factor in the cost of the brake drum for both sides, it maybe worth it just to get the whole axle. My local vendor would charge me about $350 for the whole thing and that includes a 2k axle + above mentioned brake kit + spring perch all installed and ready to go. All I'd have to do is swap my springs over.

As much as I like to overkill things, I don't think it'd be in my best interest to go with a 3500lb capacity axle and brake. Seems like the braking on that axle would be too much for my 1750lb trailer, no? The additional weight won't help my cause either, especially the un-sprung weight of the axle.

I'm guessing that not many of us installed an axle with the parking brake feature!

 

[greentruck]

Those numbers sound about right. And it's sure a lot easier to just swap the whole axle out than breaking everything apart and building it up.

I don't think you'll have any issues with what seems like a relatively high capacity axle versus what the trailer's actual capacity is. Our M101 CDN is nominally a 1/4 ton trailer, but that number is what it'll float. You can easily get a far bigger load on it, in fact 1,500 lbs seems not unreasonable, but then you start wanting brakes...which is where I came in on this. I can't recall what our trailer alone weighs, but think it's 750-1,000 lbs? Once you get to 2,500 lbs towed weight, you're close enough to 3,500 lbs that the difference sounds like a good safety capacity margin.

Not sure what's under yours now, but I doubt that new axle is much heavier than the old. The brakes, drums, etc will be the biggest difference, but doubt that will be noticeable given you won't be riding in the trailer.

If and when I make the upgrade to a road-braked axle, I definitely want to retain my parking brake. It's just too darn handy under ordinary conditions. I also like the fact that if I ever get things in a bind on the trail for some reason, I can set the brake, drop the trailer, and not have to worry too much about it taking off on its own. My usual trail partner is my wife, so really don't want to have to depend on her help to control the trailer

 

[alia176]

The local vendor did a double take on the phone when I mentioned parking brake for a 2,000# trailer! When I have a job again, I'll order up a Dexter 2,000# axle with the trimming. Then off to the junk yard for a hand brake mechanism and the cables.

 

[greentruck]

The local vendor did a double take on the phone when I mentioned parking brake for a 2,000# trailer!
SNIP

I suspect he doesn't sell many offroad trailers. In fact, like most dealers, he probably doesn't sell many parking brake-configured systems at all. Most contractors are good with throwing a chunk of wood underneath their toy hauler, so don't bother. Me? I wouldn't leave home without it.

 

[alia176]

I suspect he doesn't sell many offroad trailers. In fact, like most dealers, he probably doesn't sell many parking brake-configured systems at all. Most contractors are good with throwing a chunk of wood underneath their toy hauler, so don't bother. Me? I wouldn't leave home without it.

Yup, you got it. Most folks don't care about parking brakes on a trailer. Come to think of it, I think I should hold off on trailer brakes and axles after I re-do the chassis and other mods. After it's all said and done, I'll have it weighed and then decide on axles and brakes. Still,I'd like to keep it close to 1800 lbs (wet) just so the 80 can tow it safely.