Electric brakes available for 4x8 commercial trailers?

[Shagnman]

Hi everybody. I am in the process of planning a 4x8 tear. I'd like to build it on an HF 1720lb utility trailer. My towing vehicle is a Subaru Outback. I really like the idea of having brakes on the trailer, especially in the mountains. I checked with HF and they say they don't have a brake kit available. Does anyone know if there is another vendor who has a brake kit to fit this trailer? If not, what trailer would you recommend? Thanks for the help,folks.

[alaska teardrop]

You could buy a straight axle with brakes from Dexter or another supplier & adapt it to your HF springs.

Check Zach,s thread about adapting a torsion axle to a store bought trailer: viewtopic.php?f=35&t=58078

Not only can you get brakes on a #8 or #9 torsion axle, you can determine the correct suspension rate for the weight of your trailer, ride height, width & wheel bolt pattern.

Welcome to the forum, Fred

[Dale M.]

Brake assemblies are available at most any online trailer parts suppliers in bothj 7 and 10 inch....Problem is axle.... Most axles that can use brakes have a flange welded to it to bolt backing plates to.....



The next question is whether the hubs (of drum) for the electric brake system will fit the existing HF axle (probably not), then its the wheels (clearance diameter of wheel to go over brake drum, and lug pattern) .....

Best plan would probably consider getting new axles custom made to correct width equipped with brakes and uses a acceptable wheel bolt pattern..... Purchasing as a set can sometimes be more expensive but less frustration as its all designed and fitted together as a kit, trying to piece part something together and finding out next item does not fit last item purchases or the they don't make something you need because you ready fitted a item to project that only accepts a part the does not work well with whole concept of rebuild.... Them there is issue of room for new size wheels and tires and fenders....

Not a impossible task, just need some real though and engineered on paper long before you purchase first parts...

Dale