In this video come along as I replace these electric brakes on this camper travel trailer and repack the wheel bearings.
Remember to follow your shop manual for the proper procedure.
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not South Main Auto Repair.

49 thoughts on “Replace: electric trailer brakes – part 1”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars jake harris says:

    was told not to jack on axle it will bed?

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Antonio Claudio Michael says:

    Good explanation how the trailer drums work Eric O very interesting design @SouthMainAutoRepairLLC

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Clinton Andrews says:

    Dear Eric O., your rationale for buying the entire backing plate as a unit is remarkably sound judgement. It is akin to buying a quality remanufactured zero miles engine (did somebody say Jasper?) as opposed to a 'best of the junkyard' 65,000 mile replacement engine to replace the dead OEM engine in your otherwise serviceable vehicle. I need to do bearings, seals and brakes on my auto hauler and like you, I'm not going to skimp on the rolling parts. Thanks again!

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars pjtully1 says:

    Great info! Thank you!

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Buddy Smith says:

    cracks on bonded shoes are okay cracked on riveted shoes are not okay.

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Robert Smith says:

    National 473336 is a DOUBLE lip spring loaded seal equivalent to 171255TB. Works with Dexter 3500# axle drums with a 1.719" ID. As always a top notch educational video.

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars mike thompson says:

    if you are working on a Dexter axle if you notice the 8-247 cast number (this one is a 8-247-05 meaning 1/2 studs) that will tell you everything about that hub and backing plate. Rule of thumb if your backing plate needs 2 items its cheaper to use a loaded backing plate.

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jeff in TD says:

    10โ€ drums I believe would make them 3,500 axles. 5,200โ€™s and 6000 come with 12โ€x2โ€ iirc.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Daniel Kingshott says:

    thanks Eric O – long time SMA fan who just bought a camper ๐Ÿ˜‰

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars syncronisity1 says:

    There are 5 or 6 different facilities in Northern Indiana that produce campers and travel trailers. They are all sweat shops! lol

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Steve Plowman says:

    Thanks for the great explanation looking to check my offroad camper brakes. Cheers Steve

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Howard Davis says:

    I work in a RV facilities in Goshen indiana

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars TC says:

    Great information…. Like always.. anyways what is your professional opinion on placement of jack on axle? Seams in the RV world some say it's ok some say frame only… Just like your opinion… Thanks

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Lars Turner says:

    Thanks for putting together this straight-talking educational video.

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Stephen Cowell says:

    Definitely considering electric-over-hydraulic… replacing surge brakes on a trailer. Not real impressed with the electrics, thanks for the video.

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars David Blaschke says:

    Nice quick explanations. Very helpful. I'm going to watch the other parts next.

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mike Johnson says:

    These two videos just saved me a ton of money! Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Hope you get paid back for sharing a hundred fold! ๐Ÿ‘

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kelley Towle says:

    You answered everyone of my questions. Thanks. I would have been bald if I thought it was just like normal breaks.

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Greg Wall says:

    Great job! Thank you so much

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kirk Westervelt Outdoors says:

    South Maim
    How many miles does the electric magnet last. My magnets only had one dot left. I believe there is a DC short causing the magnet to engage. This is a new unit with only 10,000 miles on it. 2018 grand designs 5th wheel. unit weight 12000# empty.

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kirk Westervelt Outdoors says:

    Well Done…..Great Video

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mike Chiodetti says:

    Ya, be careful to put the jack under the springs, not in the center of the axle. The whole backing plate with shoes, hardware, magnets, etc for both sides is the cheapest way to do the brake job. Just clean and pack the bearings, replace the seal, adjust and go!

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars kevin wright says:

    Thanks eric just watched your video on electric brakes on a fifth wheel and feel confident enough to attempt it myself here in the uk

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars QQTrick1QQ says:

    3 year old video still at work, just bought a car trailer and never did trailer brakes, the gift that keeps on giving. Thanks Eric O!

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Duncan Mac says:

    I always wondered how those worked. Goes to show, you learn something new just about every day. Thanks for the video.

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Vanilla Gorilla says:

    I wish I had known this before my Dad spent $700 on tires and grease job on my Jayco. 300 of which was just for the grease job.

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tim Yoder says:

    LOL… they make 20.00 to 30.00 per hour on the lineย in theย trailer factories.

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Red 5 says:

    Is it possible to wire the brakes backwards? My wires were severed and both wires coming out of the brakes are green. Will the magnet repel if I guess wrong?

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Carlson says:

    Great video

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars the GADGETS playlist says:

    Those axles bend real easy. Jack should be close to spring if not right under it.

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Lloyd Palmer says:

    My trailer is 10 years old now and I probably need new brakes. ย No sqealing but set up is on high. ย Did not realize how they worked until I watched your video…….very informative and especially enjoyed your sense of humour. ย You did an awesome job of narrating and using the video camera, very detailed. ย I thoroughly enjoyed, thanks.
    I have one question, what would the average shop cost be for a complete travel trailer brake job (parts and labour). ย 
    Thanks again, Lloyd

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars 38911bytefree says:

    Well, the mechanism is pretty clever. I was thinking how the manage to get decent brake power from just 12V and it is taken from the drum itself.

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kenneth Tibbitts says:

    good video never seen trailer brake repair always some thing different that`s what makes this a great channel that & what`s for lunch MRS. O TAKES GOOD CARE OF U AND KIDS lucky man

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Manuel Sanchez says:

    Sorta related topic i have to remove the studs of one of these similar trailers but the studs wont come out because the magnet plate is over them!? HELP please anyone!!

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hola! skankmuffin says:

    Awesome

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rich M says:

    Say Eric, I watched your video twice and then ordered sets of Lippert brake assemblies. Installed them and tested , just like you show in the video. one of the right brakes just gives a slight hum, and the magnet does not energize to hold my wrench. Can you give me some ideas on what may be wrong. I used a multi meter and I am getting 12.5 volts to the wires on this brake set, but no magnet energy. Is this just a bad magnet??? What do you think?

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dano K says:

    Very well done!

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars tony says:

    Dexter says that the cracking is normal and fine

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gary Johnson says:

    when did you have time to work in a truck shop?

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jim Permann says:

    Love the videos…. Do you have part 2 on these trailer brakes?

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars john smithy says:

    I had no idea how these worked until now. ย Thanks for taking the time to make this video and do such a good job in explaining it in a clear and concise way.

    Keep up the good work Eric

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars super coupe says:

    always wondered how electro magnetic brakes worked.

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars j georges says:

    nice one Eric, waiting for part two and thanks for sharing.

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars evelec says:

    Sweet new air impact gun. Trailer brakes, thank you for the info and thanks
    ย for the variety.

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars absalon9833learnmore says:

    Dude you are my star YouTube tech, no jack stand, wouldn't want you to get hurt and stop making this gold nugget videos. I would watch an I'm in a cast video tho hahah.

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars kj says:

    good ol jack…haha no fancy lift

  47. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars kenman1717 says:

    Do you change many of these? How about the actual axles? I do probably a couple sets of axles a month, around here people overload their trailers so the axles bend and the tires burn off. I rewire brakes all the time when I repack bearings which is probably weekly.

  48. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Paul Morales says:

    Very cool video!!! Can't wait till the parts come in. Thanks for the video ๐Ÿ™‚

  49. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars stuzman says:

    Nice commentary on the electric brakes Eric, and looking forward to part 2.

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