has anyone ever removed the entire electric brake system from a travel trailer and what does it entail. Do I need to remove the wheel hubs to do it ? Do I have to cap off any of the wires from the tow vehicle so they won't be hot when the trailer is connected to the tow vehicle? I want to get rid of the whole system on a tiny trailerJack L

You didn't say how tiny this trailer is so before you do anything you need to verify with your DMV to see if you are required to have brakes on your trailer. Second if they are installed by the manufacturer I would think there was a reason. Other than that I would just cut the brake wire, leave the brakes installed. Or cut wires at solenoids, and remove brake shoes/pads.Most importantly brakes are installed on trailers for safe operation on the road

^^^^ What he said^^^^If it has brakes, I'd leave them alone. They are there for a reason.

I really don't get this whole question? Don't want brakes for some reason? Just take the wire off of the plug and tape it up. Done.But why would you want to do this? For the life of me I can't figure this one out?

Just abandon in place. Why cut and remove wire? Are you removing the entire braking system such as drums and shoes??

You can just leave the operating parts of the brakes in place and remove/cut the connection to the brake system wiring. If you cut the wire close to the trailer umbilical connection, you can cover the end of the cut wire with a wire nut and tape. You could also remove the connecting wire from the termination in the trailer umbilical connector.To remove the brake operating parts, you will need to remove wheel and the hub. The outer bearing will typically come off with the hub. Next, remove the drum. The typical brake assembly is fastened onto a backing plate that attaches to the axle with four bolts. Cut the connecting wire and remove the four bolts. The whole brake assembly and backing plate will then come off the axle. To reassemble, you may wish to remove the operating parts of the brake assembly and attach the backing plate onto the axle (keeps drum clean for future brake installation). Reattach the drum and hub, making sure the bearings are seated correctly.

Trailer electric brake removal | Good Sam Community

Lynnmor
Explorer
Mar 23, 2017
RCMAN46 wrote:
I would not consider them a safety device, the only reason that I still make an effort to keep them in service is for some measure of control on an icy road.

A classic oxymoron statement.

Do you tow on icy roads? Do you know how to use the hand control? Do you have extensive knowledge of 7" brakes?
Lynnmor
Explorer
Mar 23, 2017
drsteve wrote:
I still have a snowmobile trailer with 4 of those, and they need work after every long trip.

If your brakes need service all the time, they're shot. You can go online and order complete brake assemblies--backing plates, magnets, shoes, the works--for about $30 apiece.

You can't fix junk by replacing it with new junk. Yes, I have been thru more 7" brake assemblies and parts over the past 40 years than you have ever seen. I have tried different brands with no luck. Yes, I know what I am doing.
drsteve
Explorer
Mar 23, 2017
I still have a snowmobile trailer with 4 of those, and they need work after every long trip.

If your brakes need service all the time, they're shot. You can go online and order complete brake assemblies--backing plates, magnets, shoes, the works--for about $30 apiece.
SoundGuy
Explorer
Mar 23, 2017
Guy Roan wrote:
The OP asked a simple question and the only one who answered what he asked was Westend.

The OP said - "Do I have to cap off any of the wires from the tow vehicle so they won't be hot when the trailer is connected to the tow vehicle?

Did I not answer his question by saying simply disconnect the brake controller? :S
RCMAN46
Explorer
Mar 22, 2017
I would not consider them a safety device, the only reason that I still make an effort to keep them in service is for some measure of control on an icy road.

A classic oxymoron statement.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Mar 22, 2017
Just curious ......

If someone asked 'how do I disable my bake lights would anyone just give an answer OR would there be questions 'WHY'?

I think more would question WHY then just give a flat out answer.

Although it is simple to disable a trailer brake system.....disconnect/tape off brake wire on trailer umbilical cord OR gut whole system the real question is WHY?

NORTH CAROLINA
Every semitrailer, trailer, or separate vehicle attached by a drawbar or coupling to a towing vehicle of at least 4,000 lbs., and every house trailer weighing at least 1,000 lbs., shall be equipped with brakes controlled or operated by the driver of the towing vehicle.
time2roll
Nomad
Mar 22, 2017
So then cut the brake wires and yank them out.
Need idler hubs to be rid of the drums and shoes.
No changes to tow vehicle but you may as well remove the brake controller unless built-in then just leave it.
Lynnmor
Explorer
Mar 22, 2017
Guy Roan wrote:
The OP asked a simple question and the only one who answered what he asked was Westend.
My hat is off to you Westend.

I had a very small pop up many years ago, (that I could wheel around by myself) and the electric brakes caused great anguish one day when they locked up in the middle of no where for no apparent reason.
It cost me a motel stay with my family along with an expense that I could hardly afford.
I had them removed when all was said and done and never once regretted it

Guy

In the past, I've made the point that 7" brakes are junk and completely understand not wanting the grief. I still have a snowmobile trailer with 4 of those, and they need work after every long trip. I would not consider them a safety device, the only reason that I still make an effort to keep them in service is for some measure of control on an icy road.

The magnets coming off the arm and jamming things up is common. I braze a keeper on to eliminate that issue.

I didn't jump in right away on this thread knowing what would follow.
Guy_Roan
Explorer
Mar 22, 2017
The OP asked a simple question and the only one who answered what he asked was Westend.
My hat is off to you Westend.

I had a very small pop up many years ago, (that I could wheel around by myself) and the electric brakes caused great anguish one day when they locked up in the middle of no where for no apparent reason.
It cost me a motel stay with my family along with an expense that I could hardly afford.
I had them removed when all was said and done and never once regretted it

Guy
kennyd63
Explorer
Mar 22, 2017
The brakes are there for a reason. Safety, Safety, and Safety.;)