trailer brakes

[p.crawford]

i'm towing a larger teardrop (5x10x5) with a subaru forrester. since subaru suggests that you have brakes on any trailer over 1000 lbs (my td weighs 1400 lbs empty), i've been looking into adding electric brakes. my dexter axle does not have backing plates and the guy at the rv shop says it'll probably be less expensive just to replace the axle with a new one that has the brakes. the first rough estimate for all this is around $1000. this will include replacing the axle, the in car controller, wiring, etc. my question is does this seem to be a reasonable price.

also, if i do this i'll have an extra axle that i'll be willing to part with for not a lot of $$ (perhaps half the cost of a new one?) if anyone is interested.

[brian_bp]

It does seem that complete replacement is often the sensible approach.

$1000 would be really high for just the axle (even installed), but a significant fraction is probably for the custom wiring which will be required in the Subaru (and for the controller). It may be reasonable overall, and it does sound like the guy has a pretty good idea of what is needed.

I would make sure the included controller is a good one - if the included unit is a "basic" model, and it is a few dollars more for a better one, I think the extra would be money well spent.

[Dale M.]

Axle may not have "backing plates", BUT does it have flanges on stubs that WILL accept brakes (backing plates)?...... IF you do have flanges, brake kits are available and it is about $100 per wheel. Plus misc materials and controller....

Best thing would be to identify which axle you have and go to Dexrter website and determine what options may be available to you...

http://www.dexteraxle.com/products___literature

Also you may want to do internet search, many discount sites offer parts considerably less that RV shops....

If you are handy with wrenches, there is no reason you can't do whatever by your self..

Also check owners manual of your "SUBIE" to see if there is provisions for trailer brakes or if it will be a complete DIY job...

Dale

[asianflava]

When you get the axle thing sorted out, get either the Tekonsha Prodigy or P3 brake controller. I got the P3 only because I think the Prodigy is ugly.

[madjack]

I would certainly do some more research...the whole job should be doable by you for less than 500 bucks...controller included........
madjack

[pgwilli]

When we bought our Shadow in 2005, the brakes were a $250 option.
They (Hunter) set up our Outback with a brake controller, 6 pin plug wiring and charging circuit for another $350.

[Mark Freedom]

Here in town at the chevy dealer the going price for the brake controller, wiring, 30 amp breaker, and trailer connector (plug) installed, is $250, so it stands to reason you can do it a lot cheaper then that yourself.
I did mine so long ago I forget what everything cost, but it was nowhere near that.
I've seen disc brake assemblies on Northern tools site for around $300, I image drum brakes would be less than that.
You might just take a look there to get some ideas
http://www.northerntool.com/

[madjack]

I was just checking prices online and the better controllers are in the 150 buck range(almost as good for 50 bucks less) and a completely new axle assembly with brakes, will run 250 for a spring axle and 350 for a torsion axle...the question to ask yourself...is it worth another 500 bucks to not havvta touch anything yourself and trust someone else to doit forya......
madjack

[p.crawford]

Best thing would be to identify which axle you have and go to Dexrter website and determine what options may be available to you...

i've tried to identify the axle, however, looking from underneath I can't see any ID...if anyone knows where to look please let me know and i'll have another look.

and yes, the price includes the new axle (plus shipping), removing & reinstalling, wiring, controller, etc.

[Dale M.]

Best thing would be to identify which axle you have and go to Dexrter website and determine what options may be available to you...

i've tried to identify the axle, however, looking from underneath I can't see any ID...if anyone knows where to look please let me know and i'll have another look.

and yes, the price includes the new axle (plus shipping), removing & reinstalling, wiring, controller, etc.

Pull a wheel and hub off and look to see if there is a square or round flange behind hub with 4 or five (or more) holes in it...If there is, your present axle will accept at least one of many brakes options available ....

Actually you may not even have to pull wheel and hub, just crawl behind wheel and look....