Umair Gaines
Pop-up trailers can have electric brakes installed, and this is more common in bigger units. The installation of electric brakes on a pop-up trailer requires a brake controller in the tow vehicle, with options including third-party controllers and Bluetooth versions. While some states have weight cut-offs where brakes are required, usually between 1000-2000 lbs, it is recommended to have brakes for safety, especially when towing in hilly areas.
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What You'll Learn
Electric brakes are standard on bigger pop-up trailers
Pop-up trailers with electric brakes will have a breakaway switch at the front and wiring and drums underneath. The drums are part of the trailer hub and drum, which is designed for use on an EZ lube axle with a grease fitting at the end of the spindle. If the axle does not have a grease fitting, a solid grease cap is used instead of one with a rubber insert.
To install electric brakes on a pop-up trailer, you will need the trailer hub and drum, eight nuts and washers, and wheel bearing grease. Wiring is also required for the electric brake magnets, and a trailer connector is needed to connect the trailer to the tow vehicle. A 7-way RV trailer side connector is recommended for trailer wiring, and a brake controller is necessary to activate the electric brakes.
The Tekonsha Prodigy P2 is a popular and reliable brake controller that is easy to set up and operate. It offers three boost levels, battery protection, and continuous diagnostics. A brake controller installation kit is also required for the tow vehicle, and specific wiring may depend on the make and model of the vehicle.
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A brake controller is needed to activate electric brakes
Electric brakes on a trailer require a brake controller to be installed in the tow vehicle to activate them. A brake controller is an electronic device that activates and controls the electric brakes of a trailer. It can be roughly divided into an interface positioned within the driver's reach in the cab and a central part responsible for activating the trailer's brakes.
Brake controllers are essential for managing heavier loads, as significant power and control are needed to bring the weight of the trailer and the towing vehicle to a complete stop. Without a brake controller, your trailer's electric brakes will not work, and your caravan may push your vehicle into a dangerous situation.
There are several types of brake controllers available on the market, including non-proportional, time-based, proportional, and inertia-based. Non-proportional electric brake controllers are activated when the driver presses the car's brakes, applying braking force over time based on the chosen setting. However, the response of the trailer brakes will always be the same, regardless of whether you gently or abruptly apply the brakes.
Newer proportional electric brake controllers, such as the REDARC Tow-Pro range, offer a smoother and more efficient braking experience. They measure the changing momentum or inertia of the moving car and send the precise amount of voltage to the trailer brakes to ensure that the speed of the trailer matches that of the tow vehicle. This type of controller can also help reduce brake wear, as it senses when the vehicle is slowing down and adjusts the trailer braking power accordingly.
When choosing a brake controller, consider the weight of your trailer and the number of states you plan to tow in, as different states have varying weight cutoffs for brake requirements. Additionally, look for features such as ease of installation, custom brake settings, safety features, and compatibility with your trailer and tow vehicle.
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Check the trailer hub and drum for installation
To check the trailer hub and drum for installation, you must first determine the size of the hub assembly you need by checking which bearings are in the old assembly. If the old assembly has L44649 inner bearings, for example, you would use the hub you chose #8-258-5UC1.
If you are installing bearings in a hub or hub drum for a “plain” spindle axle, it is necessary to pre-pack the bearings before installing them in the hub. You can buy a bearing packer at your local auto parts store, or you can pre-grease your bearings using the grease in the palm method. The standard bearing packing tool contains two convex-shaped plates attached to a threaded rod with a grease zerk fitting on the end of the threaded rod. With the bearings in place in the packing tool, you pump grease into the zerk fitting, forcing grease through the rollers of the bearing.
If you have a SPINDLE-LUBE axle, the bearings can be installed dry because the SPINDLE–LUBE axle contains a built-in hub packing tool in each spindle. You can then properly pack and grease your hub or hub drums after they have been installed on the axle.
Next, lay the hub or hub drum face down on a table and fill the rear of the hub cavity with liberal amounts of grease, carefully coating the rear race surface. Now install the inner bearing (bearing next to the seal) into the rear of the hub, matching the cone of the bearing to the race. With the pre-greased inner bearing sitting in the hub, add more grease to the top of the rear bearing. There will be a space of about 1/4’’ between the inner bearing and the seal. It is essential that this cavity is filled. Now set the double lip seal squarely atop the rear hub bore. Set a wood block on top of the seal and tap with a hammer until the seal is flush with the rear of the hub. This completes the rear bearing and seal installation. At this point, turn the hub over on the table, being careful not to get dirt into the grease at the rear of the hub.
Now you are ready to slide the hub onto the spindle. Clean the spindle with a rag. The inner surface of the bearing and spindle shaft are machined to close tolerances. If the spindle is marred, unclean, or if the rear bearing is not square with the spindle shaft, the bearings may temporarily hang up as you slide the hub in place. Once the hub is fully on the spindle, slide the outer bearing onto the spindle and into the hub. Do not install it backwards.
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A 7-pin connector is needed for electric brakes
Electric brakes on a trailer require a brake controller to be installed in the tow vehicle to activate them. The Tekonsha Prodigy P2, for example, is a popular and reliable unit that is easy to set up and operate. It offers three boost levels, battery protection, and continuous diagnostics.
The type of connector on a trailer depends on the kind of trailer. Smaller trailers that do not require electric brakes typically use four-pin connections. Larger trailers, on the other hand, usually have seven-pin connections because they need auxiliary power connections and electric brakes. RVs, for instance, often use seven-pin connections as they are heavy and require electric brakes to assist in stopping while minimising strain on the tow vehicle's brakes.
A seven-pin connection also provides a 12-volt circuit, which can be advantageous when towing an RV. This circuit can charge the RV's battery and power the refrigerator while travelling, ensuring that temperature-sensitive food remains fresh.
If you are considering adding electric brakes to your trailer, it is important to consult a professional to ensure proper installation and safety.
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A Bluetooth controller is an option for some vehicles
Electric brakes on a trailer require a brake controller to be installed in the tow vehicle to activate them. While some sources suggest that a Bluetooth controller is an option for some vehicles, others state that it is necessary to have a wired connection.
A Bluetooth controller is a wireless brake controller that connects to your smartphone and allows you to control and monitor all trailer brake activity through an app on your device. It is a compact, portable, and easy-to-install device that can be mounted on any trailer and towed by any vehicle. The Bluetooth controller offers a simple setup and can be easily transferred between different vehicles and trailers without the need for additional wiring. It is designed to withstand outdoor conditions and features a potted enclosure to protect against dirt and moisture.
The Bluetooth controller relies on Bluetooth to set brake responses rather than directly controlling the trailer brakes. Once the brake responses are set, they are stored in the controller and remain active until changed via the remote device application. This allows for multiple load options and provides a convenient way to adjust braking settings.
However, it is important to note that some users have reported issues with Bluetooth connectivity and the quality of the Bluetooth connection. Additionally, there may be varying requirements for brake controllers depending on the vehicle and trailer setup, as well as state regulations. It is always recommended to refer to the owner's manual and relevant safety guidelines when installing and using trailer brakes and brake controllers.
Overall, a Bluetooth controller can be a viable option for some vehicles when used in conjunction with electric brakes on a trailer, offering convenience, ease of use, and flexibility. However, it is essential to ensure proper setup, connectivity, and compliance with applicable regulations.
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Frequently asked questions
Pop-up trailers can have brakes, but they are not always installed. Brakes are more common on heavier trailers.
You can check if your trailer has brakes by looking underneath the trailer for a breakaway switch at the front and drums with wiring at the back. Alternatively, you can look at the axles behind each wheel—if there is a square plate welded to the axle right behind the hub, the axle is configured for the easy installation of trailer brake assemblies.
Electric brakes are not standard on all pop-up trailers, but they are the most common type of brakes installed.
To install electric brakes on your pop-up trailer, you will need a trailer hub and drum, 8 nuts and 8 washers, wheel bearing grease, trailer wiring, and a trailer connector. You may also need a brake controller, which can be purchased separately or installed in your tow vehicle.
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