Trailer Brake Installation - DIY - It's easy and cheap

[@Grumpyneanderthal]

One more step…..install a break-away switch which will apply the brakes if the trailer becomes disconnected from the vehicle. Inexpensive and easy to install. The break-away switch can connect to your house battery so a separate small battery is not required. Great video Rick as always.

[@gonagain]

Good suggestion and one that I figured I could easily add later. Thanks for the tip about using the house battery.

[@markparr7224]

That was what mine had, but since I have 200AH of 24V inside, I deleted that little battery and hooked it up to the 12V converter. I'm also considering using a motion sensor alarm, to hook up to the brakes for theft protection.

[@Grumpyneanderthal]

@@markparr7224 I wasn’t aware that motion detectors were available for theft prevention. So parasitic drain would be a concern if not hooked to shore power or solar charging while not in use.

[@markparr7224]

@@Grumpyneanderthal I do have solar in mine too, btw.

[@cubul32]

So that would be a battery that's in the trailer?

[@izifaddag8221]

Just wanted to say thanks Rick for the Swain's referral. They replaced my axle with one they had in stock and repacked the grease in the bearings. Nothing to compare it to but I was hurting financially when I left. $523 total. Then blew a tire coming from Missoula in a work zone. I dragged the trailer down the road on the spring!!! Needed a new wheel/tire, U-bolts, nut and a retaining plate. Expensive. Also set a roadside fire. DOT put it out and helped me along with the local police. Limped into Drummond and a local helped me. On top of which I got really sick. Thank god the axle was ok. Stayed at Sun River BLM campground west of Great Falls. It was the best site I have ever visited.

[@gonagain]

We know that campground. Hope you're okay now, wow, what an experience!

[@michaeltichonuk2176]

You make it look as easy as it is! Only suggestion is use more grease. The drum has a cavity in center for this reason. Grease helps cool the bearing surfaces and flush away contaminates. Also on spindle before sliding wheel/bearing assembly on. I repack my bearings every spring no matter the mileage too. With braking more heat will be generated as well.

[@badgerpa9]

When I used to replace trailer brakes I would get the kit and replace it all, use to cost about the same as the new brakes and drum and usually things are rusty and rotted. I still would rather have someone else do it now days. Hope she makes the next trip feel a little safer. Stay safe and healthy Sir.

[@dougblalock5175]

Excellent video! Often I see people who don’t think about what they are utilizing a trailer/vehicle for and end up with many different issues. I was thinking about that brake assembly when I change mine out. Thanks for an excellent assessment of the product. Godspeed good people and look forward to seeing the next video. Thanks again!

[@derekrichard9189]

I also have tandem trailer with self adjusting brakes.. appreciate the video gives me the confidence to do my own maintenance

[@StratRider]

i didn't even know that you could add brakes like this. Great video.

[@CITAP1]

What a coinkidink! I'm helping my brother rebuild his 97 F250 front steering and brakes today. Safety is good.

[@gonagain]

Yes it is. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@BettyBearsNomadicTravels]

Oh my gosh, as you know I have a 6 x 10 cargo trailer also. I definitely will be doing this to my home. Thank you. I wish I had a handsome young man to install my trailer brakes. LOL

[@gonagain]

Well that rules me out!!!

[@herblapp6134]

🤣😅👍

[@ralphp3057]

Good upgrade for your trailer!! Nicely done Rick . I do like that heat shrink for wires myself ! Thanks for sharing 👍😁

[@gonagain]

Good tip, Ralph.

[@chrislincoln489]

Great job, anyone pulling a trailer should have and use trailer brakes. I suggest this for boat trailer also. Thank You

[@jakehanneman6956]

Thanks for that tip about the crimp connectors being copper. Never would have even thought about galvanic corrosion

[@MauryJansen]

Thank you for the video! Really well done. I purchased a boat trailer without brakes a few years back and am now considering adding brakes myself. You are an extremely good presenter and your explanations and videographer give great continuity to this video and make it easy to understand. Thanks again. Stay well.

[@dogpatch75]

It is important to emphasize that Rick is using the wire nuts shown in the video only to cover connections that he has soldered. Never rely on wire nuts alone to secure electrical connections in any application that is subjected to movement and vibration. 😀

[@gonagain]

True that!

[@darrellkuhn5310]

You should do a video on how to adjust the break controller .

[@jamsessionrecordshop8343]

The trailer brake company should pay you for posting this great video! Thanks a million!

[@gonagain]

Thanks for watching!

[@jeremycleveland899]

Rick, thank you for this video. You explain the process so much better than the “professionals”. I have a 6x10 that is used as a work trailer and camper. I used to pull it with a 3/4 diesel which had more than enough braking power. Now I have a Tacoma, and have quickly realized that adding brakes to the trailer is a must have!

[@timkeenan306]

Good job ! Rick, Brakes are nice and another good video

[@joyceb.sachsesachse1242]

Looks like you could put a small air bag kit on the trailer and have taller rims . By using air bag system you could lower trailer when you camp and your sweet wife could step up easy and still have dirt road clearance with axle and a less rough ride on the trailer on and off road.....Love you guys . I bet that spring shop would have good idea to install small air bag system to the axle.

[@gonagain]

Cool idea, thanks.

[@bertkelly7650]

Good job Rick! Thanks for showing! They say when it's time to replace your brakes, just buy the kit like what you have. Sounds like a plan to me. ; - )

[@Jim-np9it]

Thought...? Consider putting axle under for a bit more lift and put air pad in the new opening. Been watching and see the "chop" action of your unit as it bounces down the road. The air pad will help with the shock and take some of the punishment off the leaf springs. GOD BLESS

[@gonagain]

We already have enough ground clearance, but you just gave me the best reason to flip the axles anyway! We've tried to find a way to install shocks, but there just isn't enough room. Your idea would help, and I'll be thinking about it. The only thing that would stop me is the increased windage leading to poorer mileage.

[@Volunteersunrise]

Great job , Rick. Happy Thanksgiving to you and Linda. I burned my brakes up crossing the Big Horn mountains and spent an extra five days in Lander Wyoming. I was dumb and had my controller adjusted to high. Everyone needs to be careful not to make my mistake. The folks in Lander were really nice. If you have to break down Lander is a good place for it. Mahalo

[@gonagain]

Lander is one of our favorite places to be.

[@a.j.pawlowski156]

Thanks for another very informative vid.. I've been following you for almost 2 years and have found your mods to be very effective for my 6x10 cargo trailer conversion. Say HI and ALOHA to Linda for me. BTW, I'm a former Stinson pilot and served at Hickam in the 60's.

[@gonagain]

Beautiful airplanes. I'll pass the aloha on to Linda; one of her brothers was at Hickam in the late 60's.

[@AbortedEvolution]

Thanks. This is my next add-on for my conversion trailer. Hasn't been a problem at all for a couple years till I had to stop suddenly at highway speed. And nothing slowed down! Very scary. Thought i'd have to put a whole new axle in but this is terrific.

[@williambeddow6510]

Wish I had backing plates on my trailer axle! Many smaller cargo trailers have just idler axles w/o brake mounting plate. Need to check what you have before ordering

[@williambeddow6510]

Oh, and thank you for letting us know about odd size axle spring mounting holes. I will definitely measure mine more thoroughly before ordering. I measured mine and it was close to 70 but will triple check now.

[@milesbliss3256]

Nice video !! Have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you and all your family. 💜💜🙏🙏

[@gonagain]

Thank you, Miles! The same to you and yours.

[@wrbruce6100]

Fine job on your brakes. I think everything is easy for you my friend. I bet you use to work on your own plane. I had a friend who use to work on plane engines and I was amazed that everything I can remember in the engine had to be drilled and wired so it couldn’t come loose. I don’t have any idea what they do now days. That was a long time ago. You take care and stay safe.

[@gonagain]

Hello Willis! They still safety wire everything on an aircraft engine. I have a story about that that I should share sometime.

[@davidspence3021]

Wow, I was expecting a long, drawn out process of doing this. Holy cow! Thanks for your efforts, you saved me a ton of $$$! A+

[@gonagain]

Glad I could help!

[@seymourrivers6169]

Good job Rick. Getting wrong parts and returns can be frustrating.

[@jdeso3]

Also trailer brakes can be used when the trailer is starting to fishtail you apply the trailer brakes only and that will stop the fishtail.

[@jdedmnds1]

I would make sure that the wires are not anywhere they can be pinched between the u-bolts and the frame in case of a big pothole or a big bump especially if there is any indication that the axle has bottomed out in the past.

[@sasquatch885]

Excellent! That really does look easy.👍🏻

[@Theuncommon33]

Great video. Short, to the point, and just enough information to make the installation correct. The only thing that I would add is what my trailer shop said, you might want to look into a break away switch. It depends on the trailer and the DOT you are operating under. Otherwise, this is simple. Going to do the same shortly. Thanks for the video.

[@johnmotley747]

Just outstanding video, clean, straight forward and no fluff. I will be using as my guide... thanks...

[@donrow6130]

we like ur post appreciate you all verry much

[@gonagain]

Many many thanks.

[@floridat2180]

Help needed! We're converting cargo into a camper. Can you help us with constructing a bed? Premade bunk beds that will support two adults seam extremally heavy for the cargo, while yours appear to be much lighter. Would you be willing to share how you did that?

[@markparr7224]

Heat shrink is a way better seal on the wires, I re-did mine because they used those stupid "Scotchlocks" on all of them. And they weren't secure enough for my liking either. The thing I really loved about my Tahoe, and your Yukon as well is the brake controller is just mount, plug and play. Now to just get it on the road... But my build is very much more substantial than yours, but I plan on living in it. I know, I'm crazy....

[@gladegoodrich2297]

They sound like good guys to do business with. You mentioned getting some work done in Cedar City. Matt's springs are also good guys and friends of mine.

[@gonagain]

Matt's springs is who did the replacement in Cedar City. We would do business with him again, very good service and personable.

[@manders78]

I purchased the southwest wheel, self adjusting 3500 pound brakes and installed them with all new wiring and really good connections. My prodigy brake controller always worked before, but I cannot get these brakes to adjust, self adjust, tight enough to even keep my truck from idling forward in drive. I have tried pumping the brakes in reverse and forward hundreds of times and all I get is a slight drag. I can crank The Prodigy brake controller all the way up to 13 and it still doesn’t grab enough to stop. Installed on a 1200 pound single axle utility trailer.

[@gonagain]

I had to start by manually adjusting the brakes first. Then I took it out on a gravel road and adjusted the controller until the brakes would lock up at around 10mph, but not on asphalt. There is a break in period and you need to apply them hard from 35+mph down to a complete stop a few times in the beginning. After this I just adjust the controller until it feels right going down mountain passes. Lastly, if you call Prodigy they will give you advice on how to set it all up.

[@manders78]

Thank you I’ll give it a try tomorrow

[@shastagreen8866]

Wow, very informative, thank you.

[@ronniesherpalee4150]

Outstanding, great video like always. Still building out a 6x12. Loved your vent video. This is a good one and will be doing the same. And will go through your link asap. Thank and Cheers.

[@clarkleakins879]

How easy to install trailer brakes. AND, how easy to order the incorrect replacement axle! HAHAHA! Good episode. You did not show adjustment of the brake controller, mounting the brake controller. Another episode/update?

[@gonagain]

Yeah, that's a whole other subject. I didn't cover it because I had a lot of problems, that turned out to be a faulty controller, and I haven't received the replacement yet.

[@Jim-np9it]

In your comment to me, the air bags would not be for "lift" but rather to act like the shock you mentioned. They become a air-bumper for the springs and axle. They are also adjustable on air pressure due to your needs. Can you fab a wedge to the shape of trailer tounge back to the box that would engulf tanks, add storage above them and better split the wind? Your trailer is great and hope to meet you some day on the trail. GOD bless and be safe.

[@gonagain]

Thanks Jim, you're full of good ideas, but I'm too lazy in my old age!

[@Danny.Spurling]

Great vid Rick!

[@mrcoz1764]

I am in the process of putting new brakes on my dual axle trailer, And all new wiring for lights, The wires on the brakes are 16 ga. I ran a 14ga wire down each rail to handle 1 pair of wheels, No cross over wires,And remember you can use "Shrink tube" for your splices

[@skyepilotte11]

Great tutorial...happy trails...

[@gonagain]

Thanks 👍

[@unclemikeb]

Nice job on the video. I was cringing when you made the electric connections and wrapped with tape because I have had horrible luck with those. But then you coated everything with the liquid tape and I knew it would be okay. My utility trailer drove me nuts with the shrink tubing letting corrosion get in and break connection. Should have soldered them first maybe then the shrink tubing would have been enough. I'll be soldering and using waterproof connectors in the future.

[@gonagain]

Thanks for watching!

[@FirstSuiGeneris]

Cool, and nicely done!

[@izifaddag8221]

Well here I am in Great Falls all ready to go to Swains on Monday morning. Hope they can fit me in. I also have a bent axle with bad tire wear. Exactly the same as you had Rick.Hit a pothole in Colorado.

[@gonagain]

They'll fix you up!

[@GreatChopps]

I was a bit worried about doing this on mine, but it doesn't seem any more difficult than doing the bearings. Thank you for the info

[@gonagain]

Glad I could help!

[@Endless_Skyway_Adventures]

Interesting that the brakes are self adjusting, I see the link in the description. Lippert OEM are not self adjusting and require adjustments every 3000. Nice to have self adjusting. I bought a tandem axle trailer partly because they come with brakes. I will replace mine with the same one you used when the time comes.

[@funnyfarm5555]

I am in the middle of replacing the 4 brake sets on my flatbed 7000# trailer. I decided to upgrade to the self adjusting for ease of everything. Should be up and running tomorrow and Hay hauling is scheduled for Saturday. When the hay man calls and says he's cutting the field you get prepped, when he calls and says he is baling, you drop everything and go. Years ago when I was looking for a flatbed trailer I found several that only had brakes on one axle; not my cup of tea.

[@functionalvanconversion4284]

Great demo! Thanks, much easier than I anticipated:)

[@OttoMatieque]

Trailer brakes are good to have if you use your trailer a decent amount. I have a 6x12 conversion that is about 3,400 lbs fully loaded and the trailer brakes provide peace of mind. No matter how carefully you drive, on long road trips you are going to get caught in a situation needed short stopping distances or rapid deceleration. The trailer brakes put my stopping distance back down to what the naked truck has. Also, in wet and slippery conditions, the trailer brakes make the truck less likely to jackknife during a rapid slowdown.

[@gonagain]

Well said, Otto. Thank you!

[@doingitwithnothing]

Thanks on the DYI

[@thearcticoutpost3440]

Rick, I am not sure you set those brakes up properly. There is a star wheel in there that you have to spin to get the brake shoes close so the "automatic" adjuster can take over. If the shoes are not close enough the "automatic" adjuster will be too far away & cannot do its job. Sometimes they are close enough when you install them, but not always. Just looking out for you!

[@funnyfarm5555]

Another thing I always do on drum brakes is to apply 'never seize' to the threads on the adjuster. Remember seeing one in my younger days that was froze up. Pain to get the adjuster out of the brake set but worth is in the long run.

[@1800dontcare]

11:27 my personal preference is to use Electrical Solder Splice Terminators so it is perfectly watertight and won't allow any water ingress to make sure it's sealed and no water can get in also for me I leave a little extra cable just in case something goes wrong and I need to re-do the connection

[@gonagain]

I like that suggestion and I just ordered some. I had a problem with that connection on our last trip.

[@dwainedwards4779]

Great job I thought you were Harry Smith when I first started watching your video.

[@shilohandme3697]

Every trailer or fifth wheel I have ever owned needed to be aligned or straightened. I don’t think the manufacturers align them at the factory. Most people don’t do enough miles to notice their tires are wearing uneven. We travel at least 10K miles a year and it becomes evident pretty quick.

[@gonagain]

How about the tire shops that say, "Trailer tires don't need to be balanced"?! I think they must say that to get you back for new tires sooner when yours wear out in one season.

[@larryparson9609]

Thanks Buddy you made it look easy😊

[@machine7767]

Have you weighed the trailer on a CAT scale? Seems like you have a lot of broken springs, maybe the trailer is overweight? You might want to look into adding some additional spring support with SUMO springs. If nothing else SUMO springs will smooth out the ride of your trailer. Also when you are pumping grease into the hub it is good practice to spin the wheel for two reasons. One so it doesn't build up in an area and lead to grease blowing out the back of the wheel seal, and second so grease is thoroughly spread throughout the bearing. Last thing if you can pick a time of year to do annual greasing do it in the summer when it is good and hot. Then the grease will flow easily through the bearings instead of blowing out the grease seal in the back and contaminating the drum and shoes. One more last thing and you may already do this, but it is good practice go down a hill in the same gear you went up the hill in so you utilize engine braking.

[@DIYGuyCody]

Great video! Very informative, concise and well thought out.

[@gonagain]

Thank you!

[@keith9875]

Rick, Did you recently post some information concerning your recommendations for certain products during the current Black Friday sales?

[@gonagain]

Yes, on our community page.

[@ripfar3284]

Happy Thanksgiving from WY.

[@gonagain]

Thank you, Happy Thanksgiving!

[@Steve-Goff]

Excellent “How To” video. It should make you guys feel a lot safer on some of those steep roads. Which brake controller did you decide to go with?

[@gonagain]

I went with a Hopkins Reliance. Lifetime warranty.

[@winterseaselvanlife]

When did you get the 'purdy' wheels? I was at one time looking at cargo trailers and ... well I didn't realize you could put brakes on later. Silly me!

[@gonagain]

I got those wheels about a year ago because they were just wide enough to allow me to put on bigger tires.

[@winterseaselvanlife]

Well aren't I the observant one. Lol

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks for sharing this, what about your leaf springs, no more broken leaves?

[@gonagain]

I had a bent one that they replaced when I got the axle aligned and these days I carry a spare. I strapped it up under my trailer, just in case.

[@HappyPlaceCamping]

Haha I think Jessie is too much of a tightwad to take it somewhere. Pretty sure he'd still do it himself. As long as there was no reason that he couldn't. Oh my gosh! Such a bummer that you got the wrong one. Oh dang. That's good to know. I wouldn't have known that either. Great information. Do you know if that's the same for all 6x10's? Great job getting those brakes installed. You make it look fairly simple.

[@gonagain]

I don't think it would be the same for all makes, so measure very carefully before ordering. Installing the backing plate kit was easier than changing an axle, by far.

[@Steadfastly7]

When attaching the wires with butt connectors, don't use electrical tape. It will eventually come off. Use heat shrink tubing.

[@SiTengoTiempo]

Great video, thank you! Is itnpossible to install breaks on a boat trailer that will be going underwater during boat launch and retrieve?

[@gonagain]

Yes it is possible, but I'm not an expert on boat trailer brakes and I suggest that you research it.

[@skyboy98046]

Very helpful. Thank you. 😊

[@ianmac2963]

Excellent - thank you

[@computergardener]

Master Class well done....

[@gonagain]

Thank you.

[@mountainman5025]

Single axle trailer axles are typically rated at 2000 lbs. or less.

[@gonagain]

I don't know about that, because this one came with a 3500lb axle. Maybe cargo trailers are different?

[@charlestait5303]

Any thoughts on surge brakes as opposed to electric?

[@charlestait5303]

@@jimbell3242 thank you!

[@edwardchacon3940]

With leaf springs trouble ... and added weight .. why dudnt you get a beefer axle

[@weswalker1208]

Was the controller expensive? I believe it sold separately correct?

[@gonagain]

Yeah, Wes. I bought a middle priced Hopkins Reliance and it was about $60 plus the pigtail to match my vehicle.

[@norcoauctions]

would have appreiciated you showing us how to put that inner bearing and seal

[@gonagain]

It's an easy job actually and I'll bet there are a lot of videos covering it on KZbin.

[@norcoauctions]

@@gonagain the question is why didnt you cover it. I wanted to learn it from you or else why post anything. It would have been better for us to learn this aspect also

[@jojothetasmaniansassmonkey8866]

CLEAN!!

[@CMC61]

Hey Rick, where do you find that liquid tape at ?

[@gonagain]

Shrink wrap is a better option, you can find either at a hardware store.

[@GypsyJvan]

good video! thanks for sharing, rick.. ...Gypsy..

[@gonagain]

Hope you have a great Thanksgiving!

[@markstafford5992]

Where did you purchase the jacketed wire for the brake install? Is it possible to buy blue and white jacketed wire specifically for trailer brakes or do you get 3 wire jacketed wire from etrailer?

[@gonagain]

I got two wire jacketed from my local farm and ranch store. I would think that it would be available on Amazon also.

[@ResponsiblePledge]

Hey Rick, I have a 1958 Jeep Utility Trailer that I want to upgrade the brakes to electric on. Do you have to have anything in between the brakes the the 7 pin connector? Like a breakaway trailer kit? Did you put one on your unit?

[@gonagain]

I haven't put a breakaway kit on my trailer yet, but I should.

[@ResponsiblePledge]

@@gonagain I just picked up a 1948 Jeep M38 Utility Trailer and I am thinking about putting electric brakes on, so thanks for sharing. After watching, I realized that If I am going to modernize the trailer for a smoother ride, I might as well as some shock absorbers and a breakaway kit to - so thanks for the video, it was helpful.

[@Frenchfryguy1]

Did you install a brake module upfront or just the drums?

[@gonagain]

Just the drums, but I did install heavier tow chains.

[@dereklingnau6418]

Will that brake set fit on 13” 5 lug wheels? What size are your wheels and brake set?

[@gonagain]

It's a kit from Southwest Wheel and it's a 4.5" bolt circle. I purchased it on Amazon.

[@mountainman5025]

What about the breakaway and plug connection?

[@gonagain]

I didn't install one, but may in the future. I did, however, just upgrade my breakaway chains.

[@izifaddag8221]

What are you using for the controller?

[@gonagain]

Hopkins Reliance.

[@izifaddag8221]

@@gonagain I'll look it up. Thank you. I need to do this but it looks like a nasty job. Not the part you did but the controller part.

[@taj-ma-haul9094]

Like# 1,1?? - Woohoooooooooo

[@gonagain]

Yeeehaw!

[@dennisp3273]

Put brakes on my trailer, but power is only going to one wheel not both. Assume it's how I wired it ? Didn't think it could go wrong, but it did. Any suggestions ?

[@gonagain]

Did you adjust the linings after you installed it? Also, can you hear anything at the drum when someone steps on the brakes? There may be a bad connection, but you can't hook it up backwards, so see if you have 12 volts at the connection.

[@dennisp3273]

@@gonagain thanks so much for the reply, I really enjoy following you, your topics and info. After sitting back and looking, I saw that I had most likely wired it wrong and I did ! Works now ! I panicked too soon ! Keep up the good stuff you are doing, you have a way of presenting problems and solutions that is sound advice I trust. Thanks!

[@NarleyAdventures]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@OMG-ye8xo]

hi i m RV beginner ,after brake Install how to know trailer brake is work?how to test it?

[@gonagain]

What I did after the install was to take my trailer out onto a dirt or gravel road and adjust the trailer brake controller until the brakes would just lockup when coming to a stop and then back it off a little. Make sure they don't lock up when coming to a normal stop on pavement.

[@NJCOP747]

yo he looks like Harrison Ford!!

[@herblapp6134]

Rick tried to sent you an email about his camera system but it was undeliverable. Guess it's collateral damage from being hacked. Know ur busy putting Humpty Dumpty back together agn. But when you get a chance can you tell me which one....oh happy Thanksgiving !

[@gonagain]

Hello Herb! Do you mean what camera I use? If so, I do all of my work with a simple DJI Osmo Action. It's the original model and never gives me any problems at all. They stopped making it and replaced it twice, but I don't care at all for the newer models.

[@herblapp6134]

Sorry l didn't make that clear...the 4 camera security system he has. I'm interested in the backup capability.

[@josepablo6309]

Link ,,we're did u get brake kit lease

[@gonagain]

Try both Amazon and etrailer.com

[@1Transporter]

That shop could of effortlessly removed the perches & welding on news ones in the correct location.

[@rogermcghan6317]

Very informative but I thought we had a new axle.👍

[@abigailbautista6710]

Trailer 6x10

[@toby621]

The old bearings were dry

[@NSApple]

Cap nuts nooooooo!! If you’re going to solder connections, just heat shrink them after.

[@seymourwrasse3321]

can you get replacement shoes etc from an automotive parts store?

[@gonagain]

I don't think so, but most farm/ranch stores sell these parts as well as Amazon.

[@seymourwrasse3321]

nothing worse then letting a little trailer push you around