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RVcircus's avatar
RVcircus
Explorer II
Mar 15, 2016

How we installed our new electric trailer brakes

While getting ready for our first major trip of 2016 we decided it was time for new trailer brakes. Last year when getting the trailer inspected we noticed that the linings were starting to crack, but no chunks have started coming off. This year the cracks seem to have gotten worse, so I'm glad we finally replaced the brakes.

It took me about 30-45 minutes per wheel to replace the brakes which wasn't too bad considering I was fooling around with the camera the entire time. I also used our Andersen Rapid Jack to lift each wheel one at a time instead of jacking and blocking each side which worked out well.

Here's a list of tools and parts we used to complete this project:

* Replacement brakes
* Wheel bearing grease
* Jacks, stands, chocks, etc.
* Lug wrench
* Torque wrench
* Socket set
* Wire cutters & strippers
* Rags
* Brake cleaner
* Brake spoon
* New cotter pins
* Wire nuts or crimp connectors

The install was pretty straight forward and went as expected. Checkout the below video to see how we did it.

https://youtu.be/m-0RmPTAYOU
  • RVcircus's avatar
    RVcircus
    Explorer II
    Mar 16, 2016
    Happy Prospector wrote:
    Go to youtube and do a search, and look thru them, if you don't know what you are doing or what to look for please take it to a competent trailer brake mechanic. I would hate to see you get in a wreck just because you saved some money. Just because you watch a video, just remember:

    Think about how stupid the average person doing you tube videos is, and them realize that half of 'em are stupider than that!


    Shame on you, Kevin. Why point him to stupid YouTube videos? I thought for sure you'd do better;)
  • Happy_Prospecto's avatar
    Happy_Prospecto
    Explorer
    Mar 16, 2016
    Go to youtube and do a search, and look thru them, if you don't know what you are doing or what to look for please take it to a competent trailer brake mechanic. I would hate to see you get in a wreck just because you saved some money. Just because you watch a video, just remember:

    Think about how stupid the average person doing you tube videos is, and them realize that half of 'em are stupider than that!
  • SCClockDr's avatar
    SCClockDr
    Explorer
    Mar 16, 2016
    Happy Prospector wrote:
    I was surprised that you didn't show the viewers how to inspect the brake drum for wear and grooves where the linings contact the drum. I also wonder how you can adjust the brakes without having the tire on to spin.

    My old auto shop teacher would have flunked you on your brake job and made you do it over and do it the correct way.

    One last thing, if you are going to do a video on brakes, shame on you for not doing a complete, competent job. I hope nobody picks up your bad work habits and hurts himself or others because of faulty brakes.

    Besides what could possibly go wrong?

    Kevin,
    Could you please supply a link to your more complete and accurate brake service video? I'll be pulling the hubs next week.
  • RVcircus's avatar
    RVcircus
    Explorer II
    Mar 16, 2016
    Happy Prospector wrote:
    I was surprised that you didn't show the viewers how to inspect the brake drum for wear and grooves where the linings contact the drum. I also wonder how you can adjust the brakes without having the tire on to spin.

    My old auto shop teacher would have flunked you on your brake job and made you do it over and do it the correct way.

    One last thing, if you are going to do a video on brakes, shame on you for not doing a complete, competent job. I hope nobody picks up your bad work habits and hurts himself or others because of faulty brakes.

    Besides what could possibly go wrong?


    I wouldn't expect someone to fully understand how to do brakes by watching a 2 1/2 minute video. That's not my goal. If I wanted to do a longer video I could include more details, including inspection and fine tuning the adjustment, but I didn't. There are plenty of 30 minute brake videos out there. People complain if it's too long or too short, so I'm trying to find a happy medium and that means leaving out some of the details.

    Good thing I didn't have your shop teacher:B He would have certainly failed me.

    I've added a note to the video for those that expect more out of 2 1/2 minutes on YouTube.

    "NOTE: This video isn't meant to be a step by step guide to replacing brakes. This is an overview and some steps aren't explained in detail."
  • Happy_Prospecto's avatar
    Happy_Prospecto
    Explorer
    Mar 16, 2016
    I was surprised that you didn't show the viewers how to inspect the brake drum for wear and grooves where the linings contact the drum. I also wonder how you can adjust the brakes without having the tire on to spin.

    My old auto shop teacher would have flunked you on your brake job and made you do it over and do it the correct way.

    One last thing, if you are going to do a video on brakes, shame on you for not doing a complete, competent job. I hope nobody picks up your bad work habits and hurts himself or others because of faulty brakes.

    Besides what could possibly go wrong?
  • RVcircus's avatar
    RVcircus
    Explorer II
    Mar 16, 2016
    mrgreetis wrote:
    Very nice video and nice detailed step by step on the brakes.


    Thanks for checking it out!
  • RVcircus's avatar
    RVcircus
    Explorer II
    Mar 16, 2016
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    New brakes are VERY easy when you buy whole assembly
    4 bolts and 2 wires.....install drum/set bearing preload and manually adjust brakes

    I couldn't watch past first wheel removal.........no jack stands used so I passed on viewing further. Not good safe work practices being used.


    I agree on the ease, but disagree on the safety. The trailer is hooked to the truck on the Rapid Jack. The jack is being used how it's intended.

    If I was using a hydraulic jack I'd use jack stands, but not with this type of jack. The trailer can't move forward or backwards and would have to crush the jack to come down.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Mar 16, 2016
    New brakes are VERY easy when you buy whole assembly
    4 bolts and 2 wires.....install drum/set bearing preload and manually adjust brakes

    I couldn't watch past first wheel removal.........no jack stands used so I passed on viewing further. Not good safe work practices being used.

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