brakes for my trailer?

[jay albers]

I have a 6x12 trailer and love that little thing. I was thinking of putting electric brakes on it. I have a suburban 2500, the guy i bought it off of hooked it up for electric brakes. Theres a little box on the dash that controlls it.

So where should I go from here? Do i just need the eletric brakes for my ax then ? any suggesions would be great. thanks, jay

[matt25738]

Not sure why you would need brakes for that size trailer. I'm assuming its an open trailer and your hauling just a mower plus small equipment. Generally you only use trailer brakes for larger applications that need additional stopping power. Especially considering your using a Suburban, which has larger brakes, than a small pickup.

If your determined to put trailer brakes on it, your going to need to do the following:

- Assuming the trailer doesn't come with any brakes on the axles, your going to need to perform an axle swap with one that is already pre-designed with brakes.
- Then your going to need to install a converter or brake away box that will supply you with a 6 prong plug instead of the 3 prong your using.
- Once hooked up set your trailer brake box (in truck) to the lowest setting and adjust accordingly.

If it was me, (and I also have a 6x12 in my fleet), I wouldn't waste the time. You won't notice enough difference to justify the time that's involved... But that's just my opinion. Hope that helps

[jay albers]

I was thinking of adding brakes because i live in the poconos and there are alot of moutains I'm going up and down.

just felt like I needed more braking power going down the moutain.

[matt25738]

I understand. It's also pretty hilly here in Birmingham. If you really feel like you need it, actually process of doing the axle swap is very easy.

I dunno if your truck is equipped with tow/haul mode. But if it does, try using it. It'll help alot.
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[jay albers]

ok thanks bud

[weve]

I had brakes installed on my 6 x 12 back in 2001 and am glad that I did. The brakes, controller and installation cost me $340. At present I pull two mowers weighing around 2800 lbs. total.

[knox gsl]

Items you will need, yes I know this because I did this recently.
1. Buy an electric brake kit. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...4141_200514141
2. New trailer plug. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...2018_200312018
3. Break away kit. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...2374_200242374
4. Find a terminal box as well, it will make everything easier to connect. http://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-...tch/38656.html

These are the parts I used on mine. You can do some research for better pricing and most likely the axle you have has the flange to mount the backer plate to. (square plate with 4 holes near the spindle.) Wiring these up and installing takes about 4 hours and makes pulling a trailer much safer.

[jay albers]

thats a big help guys! thanks, think im going to do it