Added Brakes

Bob297

I’m working on my truck, but had to stop waiting parts. In the meantime, decided to install brakes to my 2017 T@G. Easy job. Parts are all Dexter supplied by etrailer. Here’s some pics. Also etrailer has a video showing you how to do this job on a T@G. I gave Dexter my axle SN and they sent me everything I ever wanted to know about my axle. This allowed me to check angles under load/no load specs. which showed my axle was within specs.

GigHarborTom

Nice. Looks like they belong there. Might have to tackle if locked down another 2 months.
I do have a Vintage truck that needs some detailing and a few other camping projects.
The breakaway is worth considering. Have a horror story about that.

Bob297

@GigHarborTom said:
The breakaway is worth considering. Have a horror story about that.

OK, you have peaked my curiosity about your horror story.....please continue......

Doing the brakes are fun if you like playing with grease (I wore gloves) My OCD is kicking in on those wires for the fender LCD lights being too tight ever since the lift. Might insert wire to add about 3”. It doesn’t effect suspension movement at these points, but I like it looking a little neater.

Bob297

I was up all night pacing, I had to clean up the LED wires to the fender. I added about 4” and that worked better. Even though, I am probably the only one who’s gonna see this.....

GigHarborTom

Bob297
Farmers trailer broke loose came across country road. Killed two friends on their Goldwing Motorcycle up around Great Lakes country. He was a retired physician and his lady friend. Widow and widower. Real,real ugly incident. Dena and I used to ride our Goldwing with a club nearby here in West WA.

Bob297

Sorry to hear about your friends. It was a tragic accident. There is probably a good chance that this could have been avoided if the trailer had brakes with a breakaway switch. Except for the new T@Gs and Boondock editions, older models—-brakes were an option. So if a T@G breaks loose, it is going anywhere. I’m happy to now have brakes on my T@G because I live in the Rockies.

GigHarborTom

Do you remember the cost of the brake kit ? Don't know if I want to tackle right now. But am a believer. Thanks

Bob297

@GigHarborTom said:
Do you remember the cost of the brake kit ? Don't know if I want to tackle right now. But am a believer. Thanks

Prices have increased since I purchased mine.

Here’s the brake drum kit: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hubs-and-Drums/Dexter-Axle/8-257-5UC3-EZ.html

Here’s the electric brake kit: https://www.etrailer.com/p-23-47-48.html

The brake wire: https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Deka/10-2-1.html

Here’s the butt connectors I used: https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Deka/DW05745-5.html

Here’s the “how to” video:

https://www.etrailer.com/tv-review-etrailer-electric-trailer-brake-kit-akebrk-2.aspx

You need grease & 8 locking SS washers for installing electric brakes—kit comes with nuts but not locking washers. Some people don’t add the locking washers because they say they don’t come installed from the factory with them. But I did and got them at Lowe’s. The electric brakes come left and right side, but the hubs are sold as each. Of course you need the black wire ties. You also need 2 connectors (yellow) to connect to the junction box up front.

Hope I gave you everything assuming you have the same axle as mine.

GigHarborTom

Bob 297 Thanks... We have the 2017 T@G 6 wide. Not lifted, that might make the difference. We'll check the price and specs when the time comes.. Thanks for the references and research. etrailer has been one of my go to sites for a few years.